[Blondie6836]

Hey I had a question for all you mommies...I figured u might know....I'm 8 weeks pg with my first child...the father has a brother who has Down Syndrome...I was just wondering if any of you knew if there was an increased risk of my child having the disorder because of this??? I am 21, and have no history of it in my family although i have an extensive history of mental illness in my family...and related to that, my mother is Bipolar but I am not...I have heard bipolar disorder skips a generation, so is this something I should be worried about? I am trying very hard not to be paranoid, but my boyfriend left me and I am going to be doing this on my own so I'm really nervous...Thanks!

[nmyddseyes]

I know you from Single Mommies board and there might be a slight chance your baby could have Downs or get a Mental Illness but there is no certianities until there are test are done (for Downs). I would not necessary worry right now until you talk to your doctor about your concerns etc... Keep us posted and we will be thinking of you!
-Dori

[jbarron]

If the brother with downs, was just a fluke thing that happened to his parents, then your chances are no greater or no less for having a downs baby However, if he carried the gene, which there are people that do carry the gene and pass that on to their baby, then your chances of a downs baby are a little higher. A little inspiration for you I have a baby with downs, and then I had a perfectly typical baby right after her---my chances were higher, but it did not happen. Unlike mental illness, Down Sydrome is a genetic gene abnormality and not a hereditary gene. Just relax, I am sure that everything will be fine and your baby is who he/she is, regardless. If you have anymore questions, I will be happy to repsond, I have done a lot of research on this topic, espicially having a baby with ds and then getting pregnant again so soon after.

Julie

[Blondie6836]

Ok well thanks for the support and info...this guy wont agree to be tested to see if he has the gene so I'm just gonna keep my fingers crossed and continue to pray!!

You can have a amnio to see if there is anything wrong with the baby.. Let your doc know that the father or the baby has a brother with downs.. Your ex guy doesnt have to be tested to find out about something like that..