Genetic Disorders in multiple Pregnancies

Types and Causes of Disorders

Genetic disorders may be caused by problems with either genes or chromosomes.Some disorders may be caused by a mix of factors.The actual cause of multifactorial disorders is unknown.They can run in families or can occur on their own.with no family history.Some dominant disorders can be found by testing, and others cannot! Some dominant disorders can be treated and are not serious.

Dominant Disorders:

Just one gene from either parent can cause a dominant gene disorder.If a parent has the gene, each of his or her children has a 1-2 chance of inheriting the disorder.

Recessive Disorder:

Each person carries a few recessive genes.Most of the time these genes are cancelled out by a dominant gene.If both you and your partner are carriers for the same recessive disorder, each of your children has a 1-4 chance of having the disorder.

X-Linked Disorders:

Disorders that are caused by genes on the X chromosome are called x-linked disorders.A woman may carry this gene but not have the disorder.That's because the normal gene on her other x chromosome cancels out the abnormal gene.A male child with who inherits the x chromosome with the abnormal gene, whoever may get the disorder.If a mother is a carrier for an x-linked disorder and the father of the baby is not,there is a 1-2 chance a sone will have the disorder and a 50% chance a daughter will have it.

Chromosomal Disorders:

Genetic disorders also may be caused by problems with the fetus' chromosomes.Most are caused by an error that occured when the egg and sperm were forming.Extra, Missing or Incomplete chromosomes oftencause severe health problems.

Who is at risk?

Are you 35 years or older?

Is your background of mediterranean or asian descent?

Is there family history of genital Heart Defects?

Is there a family history of Down Syndrome?

Any Sickle Cell Disorders in your family?

Are you of African American?

Group B Streptococcus

GBS is one of many bacteria that do not usually cause serious illness.It may be found in the disestive, urinary and reproductive tracts.In woman it is most often found in the vagina and rectum often in pregnancy.

It can have several effects on the babies including early infections,late infections.There is testing for GBS with cultures.Samples are taken from the mothers vagina, perineum, and rectum during pregnancy.These samples are grown in a special substance. A urine sample may alsoi be taken and used in the cultures.It may take up to two days for you to get the results back.If your culture is positive you will need to be on antibiotics during your labour to help GBS from being passed through to your baby.

Risk Factors for GBS

Labor that begins before 37 weeks (Preterm Labor)

Breaking of your waters before 37 weeks

More than 18 hours since the amniotic sac broke

Prior baby with GBS infection

Fever during labour