Trisomy 18

Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome, is a condition that is caused by a chromosomal defect. It occurs in about 1 out of every 3000 live births.  The numbers increase significantly when early pregnancy losses are factored in that occur in the 2^nd and 3^rd trimesters of pregnancy 

Unlike Down syndrome (trisomy 21), which is also caused by a chromosomal defect, the developmental issues caused by trisomy 18 are associated with medical complications that are more potentially life-threatening in the early months and years of life. 50% of babies who are carried to term will be stillborn, with baby boys having higher stillbirth rates than baby girls

At conception, 23 chromosomes from the father and 23 from the mother combined to create a baby with 46 chromosomes in each cell. A Trisomy occurs when a baby has three of the same chromosomes instead of the standard two. This is something that happens at conception

At birth, intensive care admissions in neonatal units are most common for infants with trisomy 18. Again, baby boys will experience higher mortality rates in this neonatal period than baby girls, although those with higher birth weights do better across all categories

Some children can be discharged from the hospital with home nursing support for their families. Although less than 10% survive their first birthdays, some children with trisomy 18 can enjoy many years of life with their families, reaching milestones and being involved with their community. A small number of adults (usually girls) with trisomy 18 have and are living into their twenties and thirties, although with significant developmental delays that do not allow them to live independently without assisted caregiving