Patau syndrome
Patau syndrome is a rare condition that some babies can be born with. It happens when there are three copies of chromosome number 13 instead of the usual two copies. Chromosomes are like tiny instruction manuals in our bodies that tell our cells what to do.
This extra copy of chromosome 13 can cause many problems in the baby's development. Babies with Patau syndrome often have birth defects, which means that parts of their body did not form correctly before they were born. Some of these birth defects can affect the baby's brain, heart, face, and other body parts.
These babies may have a cleft lip or palate, which is when the lip or roof of the mouth doesn't form properly. They may also have small eyes or an abnormally shaped head. Babies with Patau syndrome may have heart problems, like holes in the heart or missing heart chambers.
Most babies with Patau syndrome do not live very long, sadly. Many of them die before they are born or within their first days or weeks of life. Some babies may survive longer, but they will have many challenges to face.
Patau syndrome is not something that can be prevented, and it is not caused by anything someone did or didn't do during pregnancy. It is just a rare genetic condition that happens randomly. Doctors can test for Patau syndrome before a baby is born, using a special type of test called amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). This can help parents prepare for what to expect and make important decisions about their baby's care.
This extra copy of chromosome 13 can cause many problems in the baby's development. Babies with Patau syndrome often have birth defects, which means that parts of their body did not form correctly before they were born. Some of these birth defects can affect the baby's brain, heart, face, and other body parts.
These babies may have a cleft lip or palate, which is when the lip or roof of the mouth doesn't form properly. They may also have small eyes or an abnormally shaped head. Babies with Patau syndrome may have heart problems, like holes in the heart or missing heart chambers.
Most babies with Patau syndrome do not live very long, sadly. Many of them die before they are born or within their first days or weeks of life. Some babies may survive longer, but they will have many challenges to face.
Patau syndrome is not something that can be prevented, and it is not caused by anything someone did or didn't do during pregnancy. It is just a rare genetic condition that happens randomly. Doctors can test for Patau syndrome before a baby is born, using a special type of test called amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). This can help parents prepare for what to expect and make important decisions about their baby's care.