Pregnancy Age Risks
Ask a Question
just been reading the pregnancy over 40 from a wee while back and got me thinking. this may be sensitive and would like to stress I mean no offense but would really value your thoughts regarding Down syndrome and associated conditions. Do you think its fair that we see Downs in particular as a disability when these individuals are living much longer independent lives than previous generations? Should parents to be be given a more positive or at least neutral opinion on raising a child with Downs?
Well they are disabled and often need heart surgery. They have learning difficulties and need support from carers. I don't think we're yet at a stage where we can stop thinking. That's not to say that we shouldn't value them. Maybe it's more a case of embracing difference.
ClaireF1978 no thats more what I was meaning as in I know they are classified disabled but why does that have to be everything a person is worth? at the end of the day its just how lucky we got being put together. so I was wondering why we speak negatively when maybe as you say we could be providing more balanced information to embrace these differences should parents to be wish- surely thats true informed choice?
I think we do not get enough information about Down syndrome an other conditions. They just do a test. Not sure that the factor grows with age. It is something to do with DNA...so genetics and not with age.
It's the risk factor that increases with age. An older mum has older eggs and the chromosomes are less likely to separate evenly.
AgnesFaludi yes they are but I think ClaireF1978 was meaning is that we know that chromosomal issues which result in Downs increase as mums ages increases. I know that doesnt mean anything is certain whatever the age. I agree re info and I just feel its given in quite negative ways
Times have definitely changed - there was a time in the past that you’ll be ribbed for needing and wearing glasses, and thankfully people have seem more understanding about it now. I have met adults with Downs who seem no different from you or I, and indeed my own perceptions change from what I grew up with (there were always ‘special needs’ classes for kids in school back in the day)
exactly hspexy maybe the way Downs is discussed needs to change. Thank you all for your comments it was really interesting xx
I'm an older mum and my daughter was born with a gastric condition she needed surgery for. 30% of kids with this particular condition have Downs so it's something we faced although it turned out she doesn't. I know very little about it despite having an aunt with the condition. Different generation I suppose, she must be in her 50s now but she grew up in a home away from her family and it wasn't something that ever really got talked about. When we did meet her her behaviour was something that always got apologised for which I never really understood because as a child I just knew that I liked her. I love that it's seen differently now; as it should be - so many positive role models now who have Downs - that excellent young man who spoke politically (apologies, name escapes me) - several Downs supermodels challenging normalised views of beauty, the actor in Corrie; all positive!
Join for free to get genuine deals, money saving advice and help from our friendly community
Chief Bargain Hunter
