We often stumble upon children who are born with deformities at birth. This leaves their parents wondering- WHY ME? WHY MY CHILD?
Every expecting parent eagerly waits to see their child, hold them in their arms but some have to conquer devastation after seeing their child suffering from birth due to chromosomal abnormalities. These abnormalities often manifest themselves as severe health and physical symptoms in the child. The most common are Down syndrome, Edward syndrome, and Patau syndrome.
Understanding chromosomal abnormalities
Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edward Syndrome) and Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) also known as Trisomy disorders. This chromosomal disorder is caused when one has three copies of a chromosome instead of two. The next question that might come to your mind is how this occurs? One must know that most chromosomal abnormality can occur anytime during fertilization when egg and sperm fuse. Health and development issues appear if there is an extra chromosome in the foetus. This may have severe consequences such as miscarriage, a stillborn baby or development issues in the new-born. Although there is no conclusive evidence that specific environmental factors cause chromosome abnormalities- few conditions which may increase their probability include advanced maternal age, poor quality sperm or egg, family history etc.
Every couple should know these
Every couple who are planning a baby should know that chromosomal abnormalities are also associated with factors such as advanced maternal age, low sperm count of the male partner, hormonal imbalance such as PCOS and Thyroid as this play a crucial role in the quality of the egg and sperm in couples. Studies say that about 79% of embryos are chromosomally abnormal in women who are over 35 years of age and the chances of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome increases from 1:1000 at the age of 30 to 1:400 at the age of 35. About 50% miscarriages occur due to chromosomal abnormalities. According to estimates, every year approximately over 65 out of every 1000 live birth suffer from birth defects in Middle Eastern countries. The most common is Trisomy 21 also known as Down syndrome.
Of course, there’s a solution
Experts recommend going through a complete prenatal test that would help them to detect abnormalities in chromosomes 21, 18, and 13 (Down, Edwards, and Patau syndromes). It also reveals the gender of the baby. NACE by IGENOMIX is the advocate in such cases. As opposed to the invasive techniques used such as amniocentesis and chronic villus biopsy, NACE is a safe alternative that does not risk the pregnancy. It is a reliable test with 99% accuracy avoiding any kind of invasive techniques to be used to test for any kind of abnormalities.
In cases where couples are advised for IVF by their doctors, the couples should screen their embryo with PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening). PGS is especially recommended to women conceiving above the age of 35. So, if you are pregnant or opting for IVF pregnancy and don’t want to put your pregnancy at a risk, ask your clinician about NACE or PGS from IGENOMIX to ensure the healthy future of your child.
