Baby Thoughts

zaria115

My husband and I just got married and we aren't planning on having kids for a few years, but I have this constant worry about having kids.  My husband's brother is mentally disabled and I'm worried that that could be carried over to our kids.  I'm not sure if this is an unwarranted concern, or if it's something we should really take into consideration. Anyone have any experience in this kind of situation?

Jags8

Is it something that is actually genetic?

zaria115

It's a chromosomal abnormality, I'm not sure what the name of his particular disability is, but they did mention it was from the mother's side, if that helps.

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holliberry28

There are genetic and random causes for a chromosomal abnormality to occur.  I believe the occurrence is 1 in 1000 prr pregnancy.  Unless it is a sex-linked (Fragile X) or other hereditary disorder, I don't believe it could be passed down.  For example, Down Syndrome is just the random fluke where there is an additional chromosome that is attached at conception (usually).  The risks of Down Syndrome increase with age.  As for other chromosomal abnormalities, you could be tested during pregnancy by asking your Obgyn for an amniocentesis, which can detect chromosomal abnormalities around your 4th month of pregnancy.  Also, if you were to go to a high risk specialist, they could do genetic testing on you and your DH to see if you are genetic carriers of certain types of disorders.  You really should found out what specifically you're dealing with first.  Good Luck!

Mysterious_wife

holly628 said:

There are genetic and random causes for a chromosomal abnormality to occur.  I believe the occurrence is 1 in 1000 prr pregnancy.  Unless it is a sex-linked (Fragile X) or other hereditary disorder, I don't believe it could be passed down.  For example, Down Syndrome is just the random fluke where there is an additional chromosome that is attached at conception (usually).  The risks of Down Syndrome increase with age.  As for other chromosomal abnormalities, you could be tested during pregnancy by asking your Obgyn for an amniocentesis, which can detect chromosomal abnormalities around your 4th month of pregnancy.  Also, if you were to go to a high risk specialist, they could do genetic testing on you and your DH to see if you are genetic carriers of certain types of disorders.  You really should found out what specifically you're dealing with first.  Good Luck!

This reply is rubbing me wrong. This post is too.

Figure out what BIL has. Then ask your OB. Please don't run to a high risk doctor yet.

holliberry28

I was just giving her information.  And, I said that she should found out what DIL has first.

annibes

Not something we considered before we had DS, because we don't have any family members with diagnosed disabilities. But DS has autism and because we have been diagnosed with secondary infertility, we are undergoing genetic counseling and testing to make sure there is not an obvious genetic component before we pursue treatment (like IUI). It's definitely something to consider- parenting a child with a disability is absolutely a challenge!

I would get more information on your BIL's history. What syndrome or chromosomal abnormality does he have. Look into the available information to see what you're dealing with. If you get lost or confused, genetic counselors do this for a living and can write up a pedigree (you have to be prepared with information on your whole family- parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc). Sometimes they can find patterns that way even before genetic testing. But I'd start with doing some of your own research.

mrssl3813

Get more info and see a genetic counsellor if your still worried. My husband and I are both fully aware that we may have a child with different needs as we both have some rare disorders that have a definite genetic link in our immediate family and we are ok with that. However the point could also be made that these things can happen in any famiy.