Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.
Both parents are beta thalassaemia carriers. Had CVS in first pregnancy. Baby diagnosed with beta thalassaemia major and they continued the pregnancy. In three pregnancies since they chose not to have antenatal diagnosis and none of the children is affected. Some audio clips in Mirpuri. Sister-law also interviewed in English.
Married housewife with four children aged 6, 5, 3 and 9 months. Ethnic background/nationality: Pakistani.
Father knew he was a beta thalassaemia carrier. Mother discovered in pregnancy she was also a carrier. Couple had CVS and were told the baby had beta thalassaemia major. Since birth the baby has been well and has not needed transfusions as expected.
Married couple, with on child aged 14 months. Mother aged 36, father 35. Both are solicitors. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Combined nuchal scan/blood test suggested high risk; early results ruled out trisomies but subsequently diagnosed a severe form of Turner's syndrome. Couple decided to end the pregnancy; now pregnant again.
Children’ First pregnancy ended at 17 weeks, Occupation’ Mother – opera singer, Father (age 42 at interview)- chartered surveyor, Marital status Married.
Third pregnancy, after two miscarriages. Nuchal scan suggested problems; CVS ruled out Down's syndrome but heart problems identified by further scan. Baby born March 2003, successful surgery completed.
Children’ First baby, 11 months old, Occupation’ Mother – Home carer (formerly HR consultant), Father – HR Manager, Marital status Married.
Pregnant with twins, had CS when she did not dilate beyond 9cm. Felt happy with her care and recovered well but disliked need for support after the operation. Keen to have vaginal birth with 2nd child. Went two weeks overdue, then delivered very quickly after being induced.
Dentist with twins aged four and a half. Husband is also a dentist. Ethnic background’ White British (Northern Irish).
Discovered she was a beta thalassaemia carrier during her first pregnancy. Her husband was tested and is not a carrier. Their first daughter is a carrier. Video and audio clips read by an actor recorded in Urdu.
Housewife, married with two children aged 3 and 5 months. Ethnic background/nationality: Pakistani.
Caron's son, Leo, was diagnosed with autism when he was three. He attends a mainstream primary school but Caron worries that he is not receiving appropriate support.
Caron, a full time carer, and her husband have two sons; Leo aged five and Peter aged 2. Ethnic background/nationality: Mixed race.
Oliver is 23 and a fulltime postgraduate student at university. He was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) at 8 and later on, just previous to the interview, with early onset bipolar disorder. Originally from the United States, Oliver has mainly been dealing with consultants back home and has had difficulties getting to see a specialist over in the UK. Oliver says he wants to find ways to get better; 'I want to find the right solution, not just the easy one'.
See ‘Brief outline’
B is 19 and in college. When she was younger she experienced abuse and she also lost several close family members at a young age. B had a difficult journey to deal with the problems, she was hospitalised several times and she attempted suicide a few times. B says her life turned when she made a decision to want to accept the help and do something with her life. She's now looking forward to future and expecting a baby. (Zambia).
See ‘Brief outline’
Gradual onset mistaken for depression. Diagnosis given jointly to husband and wife. Slow progression. Problem with restlessness and wandering. Very involved with the local Alzheimers disease society. He tries to involve her in decisions where possible. Initially prescribed antidepressants later given trial of Reminyl. Later benefited from sedatives and sleeping tablets.
Carer is a devoted husband who has so far managed to care for his wife at home with respite care every 8 weeks. They have two children. She was diagnosed...
