ARE YOU SUPPOSE TO HAVE ANY PAPERS OR RESULTS STATING UR HAVING OR LOST A DOWN SYNDROME CHILD??

HEY... I AM 21 YEARS OLD BUT RECENTLY LAST OCTOBER OF 09 I HAD A MISCARRIAGE AT 9 WEEKS BUT I DIDNT FIND OUT MY BABY DIED INSIDE OF ME UNTIL I WAS  3MONTHS(I KINDA BLAME MY DOC FOR THAT BECAUSE WHEN I WENT FOR MY APPT DATE THE ULTRA SOUND MACHINE WAS BROKE AND I WAS SEEN 5 WEEKS LATER WOW).. AFTER THAT APPT  I HAD TO GET A DNC THE NEXT DAY, ILL SAY LIKE 1 OR 2 WEEKS LATER I WAS TOLD I HAD A DOWN SYNDROME BABY AND DID NOT KNOW AT ALL..   I WONDER IF I WAS TO GET PREGNANT WOULD I HAVE A DOWNS BABY AGAIN?? ARE YOU SUPPOSE TO GET ANY PAPER WORK PROVING THAT UR HAVIN A DOWN SYNDROME? OR WHAT I HAVE NO CLUE CUZ I DIDNT GET ANY DOCUMENTS STATING MY CONDITION..

[Dragon1973]

Hi there,

I am the group Moderator/Founder for the subsidiary Down syndrome Group.  I just wanted to give you a post about your question.  
First, please let me say I am so sorry for your loss.  If you do not have any genetic predisposition to Down syndrome (Specifically Translocation Down syndrome) you will not have any further additional odds of having a baby with Ds.  Your odds remain what they would be had you never conceived a baby with Ds.   (Gauged by your age)  That is information received directly from a Genetic Specialist/Doctor in Toronto Canada.  Now having said that, I am told by many moms in the USA that doctors are telling moms that their revised odds of having another child with Ds after already having one is 1:100 odds.  It is different everywhere, but many of us can not see why that would be if you do not have any genetic predisposition as I mentioned like Translocation Ds, which is where a piece of genetic material that attach itself to the 21st chromosome or sometimes the 14th, comes from one of the parents.  THIS ONLY happens 2% of the time.  95% of cases of Ds are called Trisomy 21, which is a purely random genetic occurrence 1 in 800 live births.  And is not a result of what mom or dad did or didn't do.  

For your subsequent pregnancies, you do not need any paperwork that I am aware of (but as I mention that is here in Canada) for future pregnancies.  If you are concerned, I would suggest maybe asking about genetic testing for you and your spouse if you are worried about genetic abnormalities.  But as far as I am aware, many places do not do this kind of testing unless there has been more than one incidence of genetic problems or several miscarriages.  You would have to check that out with your medical system.  

One thing that many people are unaware of, is that there is a high incidence of loss when there are any genetic problems with the pregnancy.  It is so sad and unfortunate that your doctor was not aware of your loss until later, but there might not have been much they could have done to prevent it.  I hope you are coping alright, and that you have been able to see a genetic counsellor.  When ever you have any pregnancies that involve genetic abnormalities, you should be referred to a genetic specialist for future testing/planning.  Now, certainly that is where the paperwork that you talk about may come into play, but the fact that you are aware your pregnancy was Ds related, you should have no problems getting to see a genetic counsellor or specialist.  

Remember, I am not a doctor, but I am well studied in Down syndrome because my son has Ds, I am a police officer of over 13 years & past paramedic.  I am also coordinator for a special needs group with the YMCA.  Also, please be-careful of answers you get here on the forums.  Always ask a medical professional to verify information you receive.

If I can be of any further assistance please message me or visit our group forum:  http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Down-syndrome/show/749?camp=msc

Sincerely,
Sandi (Dragon1973) Down syndrome Group Founder/Moderator