English Deutsch Français Italiano Español Português 繁體中文 Bahasa Indonesia Tiếng Việt ภาษาไทย
All categories

2006-12-04 10:17:13 · 9 answers · asked by S L 1 in Science & Mathematics Biology

My boyfriend has a child who has down syndrome, though the mother, his ex, was 40 years old when she had the child. Her age could have a huge effect on the child. I am thinking of having children with him and am concerned. So is it hereditary or was it caused because of her age?

2006-12-04 10:21:30 · update #1

9 answers

The majority of cases of Down syndrome occur due to an extra chromosome 21 within the egg cell supplied by the mother (nondisjunction). As a woman's age (maternal age) increases, the risk of having a Down syndrome baby increases significantly. For example, at younger ages, the risk is about one in 4,000. By the time the woman is age 35, the risk increases to one in 400; by age 40 the risk increases to one in 110; and by age 45 the risk becomes one in 35.

It is possible that one of the two parents is a carrier of that defect. A carrier "carries" the genetic defect, but does not actually have the disorder. When one parent is a carrier of a translocation, the chance of future offspring having Down syndrome is greatly increased. The specific risk will have to be calculated by a genetic counselor.

2006-12-04 10:25:29 · answer #1 · answered by Max D 3 · 1 0

Is Down Syndrome Hereditary

2016-10-03 00:21:07 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0 0

Down syndrome is a trisomy problem (trisomy-21, I believe; meaning that there are 3 alleles instead of 2 in position 21 [of 23]). As maternal age rises, the risk of having a Down syndrome child rises. I'm not sure whether paternal age also is a factor.

So, it's genetic; but it's not hereditary per se. It has to do with differences in chromosomal makeup.

2006-12-04 10:29:32 · answer #3 · answered by amy02 5 · 0 1

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is "down syndrome" hereditary? If so are the genes from Mother or father?

2015-08-06 15:36:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that can occur in any pregnancy no matter what the genetic history of the parents or the age. Although it is believed to be associated with the maternal age, I know many many families who had their children with DS in their 20s and 30s.

A child with Down syndrome is a real blessing. It's not without it's challenges, but you will never know a greater love.

2006-12-04 11:04:03 · answer #5 · answered by Smom 4 · 0 1

THIS IS A SMALL AMOUNT OF INFORMATION THAT IS OFFERED ON THE national down syndrome society web page. Very helpful and very great. the NDSS helps educate people about downs syndrome, research downs syndrome and advocate for people with downs syndrome and families.


For centuries, people with Down syndrome have been alluded to in art, literature, and science. It wasn't until the late 19th century, however, that John Langdon Down, an English physician, published an accurate description of a person with Down syndrome. It was this scholarly work, published in 1866, which earned Down the recognition as the "father" of the syndrome. Although others had previously recognized the characteristics of the syndrome, it was Down who described the condition as a distinct and separate entity.

Throughout the 20th century, advances in medicine and science enabled researchers to investigate the characteristics of people with Down syndrome. In 1959, the French physician, Jerome Lejeune, identified Down syndrome as a chromosomal anomaly when he observed 47 chromosomes present in each cell of individuals with Down syndrome instead of the usual 46. It was later determined that an extra partial or complete 21st chromosome results in the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome occurs in one out of every 733 live births, and more than 350,000 people in the U.S. have this genetic condition. One of the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormalities, Down syndrome affects people of all ages, races and economic levels. Today, individuals with Down syndrome are active participants in the educational, vocational, social and recreational aspects of our communities. In fact, there are more opportunities than ever before for individuals with Down syndrome to develop their abilities, discover their talents and realize their dreams. For example, more teens and adults with Down syndrome each year are graduating from high school, going to college, finding employment and living independently.

The opportunities currently available to individuals with Down syndrome have never been greater. However, it is only through the collective efforts of parents, professionals, and concerned citizens that acceptance is becoming even more widespread. It is the mission of the National Down Syndrome Society to ensure that all people with Down syndrome are provided the opportunity to achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives.

2006-12-04 10:37:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

--->> Tips---> https://trimurl.im/f7/is-quot-down-syndrome-quot-hereditary-if-so-are-the-genes-from-mother-or-father

2015-08-04 07:49:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Not heriditary, however if you have had one child (The mother) they can have another Down syndrom child.

2006-12-04 10:25:15 · answer #8 · answered by littleevilzombiegirl 4 · 1 0

it shouldnt matter if a child has downs..if thats all your worried about then ur rather shallow you should love your child whether its born with one leg no arms or woteva..oh by the way the reason 4 downs is an xtra chromosone

2006-12-04 10:27:26 · answer #9 · answered by greyhound mummy 4 · 0 2

its more caused by age. It's caused by a mutation of a chromosome. in other words chances are your kids will be fine.

2006-12-04 10:25:52 · answer #10 · answered by Jake S 5 · 0 1

fedest.com, questions and answers