Did I cause my child to have Down syndrome?
Simple answer: NO! There is nothing you can do to prevent Down syndrome and nothing you can do to change your odds of having a child with Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs in all races, in all socio-economic conditions, and in all countries. No relationship between diet or illness and Down syndrome has ever been found. The only established relationship is with maternal age. A woman is more likely to have a child with Down syndrome as she grows older with a sharp rise in risk at 35-40 years of age. However, 80% of all children with Down syndrome are born to mothers under 35. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Sigh. I’m so afraid. I’ve always wanted to have children. But if I’m to believe the above, taken from www.downsyn.com, it’s very probable that the child will have DS.
Should I just abandon my wish to have a child?
17 responses so far ↓
katcampbell // November 17, 2006 at 6:49 pm
Gela, if we made our decision to have children based on what “could” happen, nobody would have kids. Prenatal care is excellent nowdays, if you want a child, you should definately have one.
Dr. D. // November 17, 2006 at 7:36 pm
Don’t let your age and what could happen stop you from having, and furthermore, you can do genetic testing on the child early in the pregnancy to rule out Down’s Syndrome.
Yamfoot // November 18, 2006 at 9:35 am
yeah but doc, if you do the genetic test and find out it has DS, is it the right decision to do away with it?
Gela, I believe that if we keep our body in tip top condition through proper eating, exercise and stress reduction, vitamin-taking, you can lower your body age and have normal kids.
i just not having none. I sure if I do in my 40’s….eeegad! I’m there now!………both my breasts will develop breast cancer.
if i ever feel the need to have a kid, it would definitely be adoption. especially as i was hearing some horror stories about delivery last night from a friend of mine.
Stunner // November 18, 2006 at 1:37 pm
Bringing a child into the world can be so scary.
Another thing we can be thankful about, is that we came out without DS. Let’s hope our children enter the world ok too.
eemanee // November 18, 2006 at 2:57 pm
With children you just have to be optimistic. Chances are everything will be perfect. If i do decide to have a child i’ll most likely be in my 30s…nothing you can do but hope for the best.
Besides children with Down’s Syndrome, like all children, are unique. There is no way of predicting beforehand just how much they will be able to achieve.
Cool Destiny // November 18, 2006 at 4:42 pm
You should still go for it. You will love that child just as much if he/she were like a healthy born baby. Medicine is great these days, so just continue to take care of yourself and make it happen!
Make sure it’s a girl ok … so I can hook my son up with her
jdid // November 19, 2006 at 10:46 am
Just go for it. everthing is risky with children.
Dr. D. // November 19, 2006 at 5:25 pm
In response to Yamfoot, I have made my opinions regarding termination of pregnancy clear in a very controversial post long time ago.
I would leave a the decision about whether it is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ to terminate a pregnancy that shows positive for Down’s Syndrome up to the parents. Who is anyone looking on to judge and say it is right or wrong…..
Gela Words // November 19, 2006 at 6:37 pm
What month is this post Dr. D?
To be honest I thought of that too (question that yamfoot asked).
Yes it sounds selfish, but jeez raising a child is so challenging already, can you imagine one with complications?
Lexi // November 19, 2006 at 9:24 pm
There’s so much in life that is not within our control. We kid ourselves to think that we can plan just perfectly to avoid some of life’s surprises…like a child with special needs.
It’s impossible to try to live life and avoid all the speed bumps. Don’t miss out on life because you’re afraid of what it might bring.
abeni // November 20, 2006 at 12:48 pm
I would go for it. Life is a gamble anyway and ent no way of knowing what kinda child you gonna have. You just love what God blessed you with and go on
Leon // November 20, 2006 at 1:40 pm
Don’t abandon your wish. Just hope for the best. The future is unknown, but that doesn’t mean we have to fear it.
Mad Bull // November 21, 2006 at 10:59 pm
If you going to do it, you need to get started now. Call the man to come get busy pon de program from tonight!
guyana-gyal // November 22, 2006 at 8:30 am
Look at all the women in their 40’s having healthy babies!
bassChocolate // November 22, 2006 at 12:01 pm
It’s possible your baby could have a million different illnesses at birth. Does that mean we should stop giving birth?
Melody // December 3, 2006 at 7:18 pm
The 80% statistic in your post should be comforting to all us 30-somethings, Gela, but it’s natural to worry about your baby no matter what. If U can seriously see yourself hugging somebody else’s challenged children and your heart going out to them regardless of their disability — or even more so because of it, U’ll love your own child no matter what.
jennifergg // December 9, 2006 at 2:44 pm
I’m a mom to a child with Down syndrome. I write about it at my website, http://www.jennifergrafgroneberg.com. If you are interested in what my life is like, you should check it out.
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