(Abstracted from J Perinatol 2018;38:788–796) Trisomy 13 (T13) and 18 (T18) are chromosomal anomalies that have historically been considered lethal, but this notion has been questioned within the last decade by physicians, ethicists, and families. The literature has focused on the commonly described negative parental experience of prenatal and neonatal counseling and the extent of medical and surgical interventions that children with these conditions receive, their survival, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

The majority of women who continue their pregnancy after a fetal diagnosis of T13 or T18 desire expectant management with palliative care. A live birth can be expected at least half of the time.