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Q

I had 6 pregnancies - firstly 3 girls, then my first son (4th baby) was born with downs syndrome (trisomy 21), then 4yrs later I had another son born normal and 4yrs later I had another healthy son. I have 13 normal healthy grandchildren. 

My youngest son and his wife are thinking of having another baby. Their first son was born normal & healthy.   Now he will be going for tests as they are thinking of having another child. The dr. Wanted to know what type of Trisomy my first son has. As you know years ago we weren't told much & possibly much wasn't known back then . 

I was told that most of these babies are born to older women. I had my son when I was just short of my 25 birthday. All the Doctors told us was that sometimes it just happens.

I guess what I really want to know is can this be hereditary?

A

Even though the risks of having a trisomy 21 child are increased with age, there is still a certain level of risk with all pregnancies no matter what age the mother is.  Your doctors were correct, "It just happens sometimes".

Of all genetic disorders, Trisomy 21 is the most sporadic in it's occurrence. This means that if you have a Downs Syndrome in the family then it does not significantly increase the chances of a recurrence within the family.  Other genetic problems can have more of an effect on the statistics.

For a full discussion of this subject, I suggest that you read the following web page for medical graduates http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/2000/05_00/wheeler.htm  

The section that specifically answers your question is found under the heading "Mode of Inheritance".

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