Does anyone know the real stats on the risk of Downs Syndrome when the mother is nearing 40? Every website I see seems to have the purpose of scaring me to death. Is the risk really 1 in 25 (I'll be 39 in a month); or is that wrong?
Are there any moms over 35 or 40 that have personal experience with this? Does family health history count for anything?
Thanks for your responses!
2007-07-17 08:40:12 · 5 answers · asked by Lori H 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Trying to Conceive
Okay first of all, quit doing research. You'll only scare yourself to death. Those are numbers, that doesn't mean they'll happen to you. Elizabeth Edwards (Sen. John Edward's wife) had a healthy baby at 50.
All you need to know is, yes the risk goes higher after 35 and then after 40. I got pregnant at 40 and had a miscarriage at 4 months. The baby had a chromosomal disorder (which is what Down's is). The doctor told me the chances go up with age, but that doesn't mean it will happen every time. He said I could go on to have 2 or 3 more healthy pregnancies. I have to believe that or I'd go insane. And to be perfectly blunt...many pregnancies end early due to genetic defects and this happens to women of all ages.
So stay positive and stay off the Internet! Just because the chances are there it doesn't mean it will happen. If you pray, then pray about it and have faith.
Also, before I forget... health history has nothing to do with it. It's a chance thing. The only thing is, if you've had a previous pregnancy with Downs, they may start testing earlier to rule it out. But other than that, it's a chromosomal thing, so health and family history don't carry much weight.
Good luck.
2007-07-17 08:53:11 · answer #1 · answered by ღ†Rocker Wife†ღ 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
no that's not correct. I have a downs son. Born when I was 30. Family history doesn't count. Downs isn't passed down from your family. It just happens. The risk over 40 is about 1 in 100.
2007-07-17 09:20:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
lori.....I was 38 when I had my second son and went through the "scare" of DS, as it turned out everything was fine. when I became pregnant again at 40 I had the same "scare" afp test came back showing a risk of DS so I went in for a high intensity ultra-sound....during the ultra-sound they found my son had a congenital heart defect called av-canal which is a large hole in the chambers of the heart and is sometimes associated with down syndrome along with shorter long bones in his body...to be sure I opted for an amnio 2 days of agonized waiting the doctor called to inform me that my son did indeed have down syndrome. I am not going to lie to you and sugar coat it...I was scared and had so many emotions running through my mind and I even mourned the loss of my "perfect baby"....but....looking back on the past three years with my son I can only laugh at my foolish thoughts back then....I have a wonderful little boy who brings nothing but happiness to my families life. he has taught us all patience and we see first hand his zest for life. he has gone through so much in the past three years with his open heart surgery and his struggles to accomplish his milestones...but you know something? he does accomplish them. I don't know what the future will hold for him, but I do know this....he is very much loved and I wouldn't change a thing about him...ok...well maybe the naughty part! typical 3 yr old...lol
don't let the fear of what might happen hold you back from being a mom....no matter what happens you will love them and be proud of them because they are your child!
2007-07-17 13:35:50 · answer #3 · answered by julie's_GSD_kirby 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its closer to 1 in 35, I think. Family history has nothing to do with it, neither does prenatal health. its a roll of the dice. But even 1-25 still means that you have a much better chance of having a normal baby than having a DS baby. Good luck!
2007-07-17 08:46:51 · answer #4 · answered by parental unit 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just read that the risk of down sydrom is 1 out of 166. From everything I've heard age has nothing to do with an increase in percentage chances. Try not to worry yourself. I know thats easier said than done, but the chances are on your side that your baby will be perfectly healthy.
2007-07-17 08:46:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋