In the United States, families whose infants or toddlers have a diagnosis that results in a high likelihood of developmental delay or disability are automatically eligible for early intervention (EI). When families know prenatally of this diagnosis, they are not eligible for EI until their baby is born despite other developmental programs starting during pregnancy. Seventeen families who had a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome shared their experiences with formal, intermediate, and informal resources during their pregnancy. Findings centered on families’ appraisals of those resources to meet their desire for a positive, hopeful pregnancy and parenting vision. Implications are discussed for early childhood prenatal home visitors, early childhood professionals overall, and EI systems and professionals.

在美国，如果家庭的婴儿或幼儿被诊断出很可能导致发育迟缓或残疾，则自动有资格获得早期干预 (EI)。当家庭在产前知道这一诊断时，尽管在怀孕期间开始了其他发育计划，但他们在孩子出生之前没有资格享受 EI。十七个产前诊断为唐氏综合症的家庭分享了他们在怀孕期间使用正式、中间和非正式资源的经验。调查结果集中于家庭对这些资源的评估，以满足他们对积极、充满希望的怀孕和养育子女的愿望。讨论了对幼儿产前家庭访问者、幼儿专业人士以及 EI 系统和专业人士的影响。