Is Down Syndrome hereditatry?

My boyfriend's younger sister has Down Syndrome, and though I love both of them dearly I wonder if our children would be more likely to have Down Syndrome or another chromosome disorder?

Down syndrome-Trisomy 21, is not really an inherited disorder but more of a genetic abnormality of the chromosome makeup in the body.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs because of abnormal chromosome structure. This abnormality is characterized by specific physical features and limited mental functions, along with several internal organ malformations. In Down syndrome, ninety-five percent of all cases are caused by the following event; one cell has two 21st chromosomes instead of one, so the resulting fertilized egg now has three sets of the 21st chromosomes. Because of this triplication of chromosome 21, the scientific name of Trisomy 21 became known.

In 1866, a physician and geneticist named John Langdon Down, studied a small group of children who had common physical features, and were different than normal children. However, the difference was similar in those who had the disorder. He found out that the reason those children were physically abnormal was because there was the presence of an extra No. 21 chromosome, which altered the bodily structure along with its mental capabilities of that person, and thus the appearance.

The age of the mother also affects the rate of occurrence. For women between the ages of 35 and 40, the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome increases to one in 350. For women at the age of 40, the risk increases to one in 100. For women at the age of 45, the risk increases to a stunning one in 30.

umm hmm.

yes very hereditary, but the chances go up if the woman is over the age of 35.

It's unlikely but hard to determine without knowing more details.Most of these details would have to be found by having your blood drawn.

It could be. I would ask a doctor and they could tell u the percentage of the possibility u might have kids with it too.

It is hereditary talk to a doctor about the chances of your kids having it that is the only way your gonna get any kind of facts. Dont rely on the answers from yahoo. :) good luck

It is definitely hereditary. However, you and your boyfriend can take tests prior to conception to find out how likely you are to have a baby with downs (and other problems) before having a child. If it turns out that you are at high risk, you can always adopt.