FYI- there are three types of DS. (and most chromosomal abnormalities)
1st is regular- present from conception either the egg or sperm had an extra chromosome (about 95-96% cases - this is not genetic and usually not an inheritied trait.
2nd Translocation- a part of the chromosome breaks of in first cell divisions and attaches to other of the pair and is replicated through out the entire cells (about 4%) This is the one that is inherited, and if your child has this type, the odds of having another child with ds or other chromosome issue are usually much higher than average
3rd is moasism- not all layers of cells have the evtra chromosomes. Usually cause becasue one cell gets an extra chromosome at a division, and it continues on down the line. It happens before the cells differentiate, this is usally the type where the amnio says no ds and child has it or that the amnio gives unclear results (less than 1%) Not genetic either.
Neither type is associated with better longterm results or development. A syndrome means there are a lot of problems and most children don't have them all, but I have seen a few that do.
In my personal opinion having researched lots of dialities and special needs for adoption. Of all the generic abnormalities available with extra chromosomes- DS is the least scary (and there are some real doozies out there)
I am utterly amazed how many babies are actually born healthy - with all the things that can go wrong without their parent helping( drugs, smoke, alcohol, accidents, abuse, etc). I just believe that any baby getting here to be born is a miricle in itself.
Amnio's are usually correct, I believe there waS AN ERROR AT THE LAB W/ Melea's because she has regular trisomy 21.
I love my two and am frequently asked if I could change it - wpould I. At this point- I would not. They wouldn't be the same children and Eric and I love them with all our hearts!!!!. (I just wish everyone could see the same beuty in them that we do- most people are very kind but about 1 or 2 times each week I get someone who irritates me with a rude comment