Is my mother's age the cause of my medical conditions?!
Question: Is my mother's age the cause of my medical conditions?
My Mother was 37 when I was born, as was my mother. I have a collection of medical conditions, and am wondering if any of them could have been caused by my Mother's advanced maternal age (35+).
My conditions are as follows:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematous. My Maternal Grandmother also had Lupus and passed away from Lupus complications.
- Arnold Chiari Malformation I. I've had symptoms of this my whole life, and it was only diagnosed a couple of years. I had to undergo surgery.
- Tremor. My Mother and Maternal Grandfather also have this.
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This was also recently diagnosed.
- Cerebellar Ataxia. I'm not too sure about this one. I was diagnosed with this as a toddler due to developmental delays, but I think this may have been the Arnold Chiari Malformation all along.
- Panic disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. My Mother had some anxiety issues when she was in her 20s and my brother (who is 7 years older) was recently diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Anxiety disorders are very common, I suppose.
- Non-verbal Learning Disorder. Not sure about this one either - it may have been the Arnold Chiari Malformation all along too.
I think that's everything!
So, my question is, do you believe my mother's age had anything to do with any of my medical conditions? If so, which ones, and why?
Please don't answer if you're not sure, I'd like answers from people who are *relatively* certain.
Thank you!!
Answers:
No, not at all. Some of the conditions you describe are congenital and seem to run in your family, and it is important to tell medical people about your family history when you are being treated. Some are just you. My mother was 42 when I was born, and there was a woman of 49 in the same ward giving birth to her umpteenth baby. An anxious mother might raise an anxious child, but it is not inevitable. People's social circumstances are just as likely to affect emotional issues.
Most of the symptoms you carry seem to have a familial trait or genetic correspondence.
Also, though they may be carried by both male & female, statistically the females suffer more.
It has nothing to do with your mother's maternity age. So don't go blaming her. :)
http://www.patient.co.uk/health/
No it didn't.
35 is still in the young range to have a baby.
Over 50 is more risky .
Genetics probably played a big role. Have you traced your family tree.?
:(
I don't think any one here can be "relatively" certain because we aren't doctors. However, just giving an answer based on my limited knowledge and common sense, I say, No. 37 years of age is not "advanced age" for pregnancy. With today's advanced diagnostic technology and excellent prenatal care, many women are enjoying healthy pregnancies and delivering healthy babies during their late thirties. (And beyond).
Of course, it's a good idea for a woman this age to get checked out by her doctor first to make certain everything looks okay. It sounds to me the conditions are hereditary. You should certainly speak to your own doctor about this. No one on this forum can address these issues like he/she is qualified to do. You should seek medical advice if you yourself are planning a pregnancy.