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Risks

by luke3777, Mar 03, 2008 06:58PM
I have a 3 yr old only child with cp. we are looking at having another. Does anyone have info on the risks of further children being born with cp.
Member Comments (3)

by mommyofnathan, Mar 10, 2008 12:08PM
To: luke3777
As far as I understand and was told, you are only at risk if your childs disabilities are caused by a genetic reason (chromosome disorders etc).  then it can be passed to another child.  If your son suffered a stroke/hypoxia etc during pregnancy, at birth or during birth, I don't think your other children will be at risk - if it doesn't happen to them too.
good luck - it must be a scary scary decision.  

by Bree71, Mar 31, 2008 03:34PM
To: luke3777
Hi
I agree with mommyofnathan.  As my husband and I were told unless it was caused by a genetic thing the risk is no different than any other couple having a child.  We had a second child after our first with cp and he is perfectly healthy.  My boys are 8 1/2 and 6 years old and the best of friends.  I know I was scared the second time but I worried over nothing and I think now so what I wouldn't trade my firstborn for anything anyway.  And if it so happened that our second had cp too well at least we would know what we were facing.  Good Luck with any decision you make.

by alwaysbelieve, Apr 17, 2008 10:42AM
To: Luke
My second son was diagnosed with CP.
I have 5 children.
1 before my son with CP.
3 after.
They are all my biological children.

I think you first must understand CP.
CP is what is known as a 'garbage term' for brain damage involving the muscles and motor coordination occuring in pre-natal time period or within the first 3 years of life. Along with that, depending on location and severity, you can also have seizures, respiratory issues, cognitive/developmental delays and other sub-issues.
For some diagnosed with CP, there is a definate cause. My son's for example, was due to a cardiorespiratory arrest/stroke when he was 2 months old. Most causes of CP cannot be determined and most likely were the result of some event in-utero or during delivery.

Given all of this, I would say your chances of having another child with CP would be slim. However, if you are concerned, I would recommend a consultation with a genetic specialist.

Hope this helps and good luck!
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