Edwards syndrome is usually not an inherited condition. Instead, it typically results from a random error during the formation of the egg or sperm, leading to the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 18 in the fertilized egg.
This error is called non-disjunction, which means that the chromosome pair fails to separate properly during cell division, resulting in an extra chromosome in one of the daughter cells.
In some rare cases, Edwards syndrome may be inherited from a parent who carries a chromosomal rearrangement that involves chromosome 18, such as a translocation or inversion. In these cases, the rearrangement may cause the child to inherit an extra copy of some or all of the genetic material on chromosome 18, resulting in Edwards syndrome.
It’s important to note that most cases of Edwards syndrome occur randomly, without any known risk factors or genetic predisposition.
However, the risk of having a child with Edwards syndrome increases with the mother’s age, as well as with certain environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation or certain chemicals. If you have concerns about the risk of Edwards syndrome, you should speak with a genetic counselor or healthcare provider for more information and guidance.