Trisomy 18

Well I got this idea from watching Oprah yesterday. She had the story of baby Eliot. If you don't know the story here is the link please watch!!!!
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My brother, Trent, and his wife, Holly, found out that their little boy has Trisomy 18. They have named him Ronald Anthony, we cannot wait to see him and hold him and care for him! Holly is planning on being induced in about a week. I will be documenting all I can of his life and the joy that his has brought to our family. Although we don't know how long he will be with us whether it is only the time we've had with him from inside the womb or if its hours, weeks, or months we will cherish every moment and be grateful for the time we have. I love you little Ronnie!

Below is some information that I took from the Trisomy 18 Foundation's website...
What Is Trisomy 18?

Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome, is a condition which 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 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy.

Unlike Down syndrome, which also is 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 rate than baby girls.

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 will be able to be discharged from the hospital with home nursing support for their families. And although less than 10 percent survive to 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 independantly without assisted caregiving.