Did We Cause This Copy

Video Transcript

Dr. Young

I think you will find that the local Down syndrome group is very helpful. These are knowledgeable parents who understand what you are feeling, they have been there, and can help you find what you need.

How are you both feeling about this now? Tell me how I can help you.

Mr. Brown

We both feel so overwhelmed; there is so much to sort through

Mrs. Brown

What did we do to cause this? Certainly, there is something we could have done to prevent his being born with Down syndrome. Was it something that I did in the first months of my pregnancy?

?Decision Point: What would you say next?

Reflect for a minute on what you would say next, then check your answer against the suggestion below.

Suggested Response

There is nothing that you or your husband did to cause this. Sometimes these things just happen and no one is to blame. The extra chromosome usually comes from the mother’s egg – it was actually in the egg before it even joined with the sperm. Once in a while, it may come from the father. Do not blame yourself or your husband. Talk out your feelings with each other; that is really important right now. If you want to talk further with a geneticist, I can certainly refer you.