While some expectant parents may be concerned about the potential for their baby to be born with a genetic disorder like Patau syndrome, it’s important to note that most babies are born healthy, without a genetic condition. 

If you’re worried, don’t get caught up thinking about all the possible things that can go wrong during pregnancy.  But you also shouldn’t be afraid to speak openly and honestly with your doctor, or to ask as many questions as you want as that’s why doctors and nurses are in hospitals for, they have the best equipment and good figs scrubs dupes so they can make sure everything is good with you and your baby. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in your prenatal care and testing decisions. However, if your baby has developed a condition or injury due to your doctor’s negligence or error, reliable medical malpractice lawyers can assist you in pursuing legal action and seeking justice. You may also want to consider consulting Ulster County medical malpractice lawyers. Hiring an experienced malpractice lawyer is important for protecting your rights and getting the rightful compensation.

What is Patau Syndrome?

Patau syndrome, or , is a condition that occurs when an embryo inherits three copies of the 13th chromosome, as opposed to the usual 2 copies found in unaffected people. It occurs in approximately 1 in 16,000 newborns. 

What Causes Patau Syndrome?

The majority of cases of Patau syndrome are not inherited – they occur when cells divide incorrectly during reproduction. Patau Syndrome can present in either males or females, however, doctors believe it is more likely to occur in the children of mothers who conceive after the age of 35. 

What are the Symptoms of Patau Syndrome?

Babies born with Patau syndrome often experience developmental issues like heart defects, brain abnormalities, spinal issues, extra appendages, a cleft lip or palate, and poor muscle tone.

How is Patau Syndrome Detected?

Many doctors will encourage some form of non-invasive prenatal testing for genetic conditions during the first trimester of pregnancy, especially for any mother-to-be that is over the age of 35. MaterniT21 PLUS is an example of a popular blood test that screens for many potential genetic abnormalities including Patau syndrome and Down syndrome, but poses no potential risk to the developing fetus. If the results of this non-invasive screening come back positive or inconclusive, your doctor may recommend additional (and potentially more invasive) testing protocols. If Patau syndrome is not detected in the child before birth, it is often diagnosed soon after birth via a physical examination and later confirmed by DNA analysis. 

What Treatments are Available for Patau Syndrome?

Only about 20% of babies born with this condition survive until their first birthday. However, it may be helpful to learn if your child has trisomy 13 as soon as possible (during pregnancy) so that you can begin to assemble a team of doctors, specialists, and caretakers.

There is no cure for Patau syndrome, so the treatments available predominantly address symptoms, correcting uncomfortable or life-threatening issues, and improving the quality of life. These can include measures like medications, surgery, and other therapies. Treatment