if downs syndrome has been in the family but not the parents, is the risk higher for the baby to have downs sy?1

Question by Caryn: if downs syndrome has been in the family but not the parents, is the risk higher for the baby to have downs sy?
Ok i understand how down’s syndrome “happens” it is the extra copy of the 21st chromosome…i understand that it does not take a parent to have it in order to develop this extra chromosome (although risk is 50% when one or both parents do have this syndrome) I do have a family history of down’s syndrome, as does my husband. Now am i right to assume that the risk of me having a child with down’s syndrome is higher?

Best answer:

Answer by Daisy
i think siblings count too, don’t know about cousins.

your age is a factor too.

Talk to a genetic counselor, they will give u more accurate details.

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