Understanding Potential Risks in Early Pregnancy: A Guide for Expectant Fathers

Question
Hi,

I'm 26 years old, and my wife is 25. She is now 14 weeks pregnant. Like a lot of people who are expecting, I have a few concerns. We all want our children to be healthy, I worry that the child could be born either with a physical or mental handicap. Are there reasons why a child would have mild or severe mental disorders? Thank you for helping me eliminate some of my worries. Have a nice day.

Mitch

Answer
Mental anomalies can be caused by genetic, congenital, or totally independent abnormalities. Other than genetic problems, none of these can be predicted or tested prior to delivery of the baby. At an age under 30, there is a very low incidence of chromosomal defects that would cause mental disorders. You, of course, can have an amniocentesis that would show the karyotype of the baby and you would know for certain if the baby will have any chromosomal disorders (Down's syndrome, Trisomy 18, cri-du-chat, etc). However, at the age of 25, you wife has less than 1 in 3000 chance of any chromosomal disorder. If you do not have any relatives (in either family) with any chromosomal defects, there is no reason to worry.