This may sound dumb but is it true that mildly retardation(slow) disability run in family?

Question

Do you think if you get immediate prenatal care after finding out youre pregnant this will decrease your chances of have a mentally retarded child?

Do you think retardation runs in families... my grandmother had two slow children (well they act slow) one of theyre children was mildly retarded.... my cousin say this runs in our family and we have second and third cousin before us that are slow (retarded)also? I hate the word retarded thats discriminating

Answer 1

Some disabilities run in families.  If you have a hunch that this is true, it probably is.   You may want to meet with a genetic counselor before getting pregnant to find out about your chances/risks.

Answer 2

i work with "retarded" children.  i prefer the term "special needs".  

no, it's not true that retardation runs in families.

no, immediate prenatal care will not stop you from having a special needs child if that's what has been conceived in you.

Answer 3

Mental disabilities are genetic traits.  At the moment of conception the genetic makeup of the child is established.  There is no way to prevent genetic anomalies after conception.  Of course it is always important to ensure proper prenatal care to monitor the pregnancy.  If you are worried you could opt for an amniocentesis to discover the genetic makeup of the child.

Answer 4

it is true that certain conditions that cause mild retardation are hereditary. immediate prenatal care is vital no matter what. they can also test for alot of stuff nowadays. between the weeks of 18-22 you can be tested for cerebral palsy, and a few other things. down syndrome can be detected as well. the problem is, you get what you get. period. i wouldn't listen to everything that your "cousin " says though. i have a large family-my grandmothers sister had 5 kids, 4 of whom are very "slow" -no one else has in the family. they are my cousins. and my children are perfectly fine. no body knows anything for sure- and they never will. it could be anything that caused your grandmothers children to be that way. alot of things were different during pregnancy & after that long ago. i would start out by getting a hold on your family history-anotherwards know it at your first appointment. the more your doctor knows the easier it is for him to give you the care you need-good luck!!!

Answer 5

I don't think prenatal care will help reduce your risk of a mental disability....

I do think some things are genetic....  And some are not...~