Devyn+S.

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====**Edward's Syndrome, or Trisomy 18, appears in individuals who have an extra chromosome 18, so it is a chromosome error. This mutation occurs in one out of every 5,000 live births. It occurs in three times more girls than boys. 95% of the fetuses die before birth, and the ones that survive usually die within the first month, but about five to ten percent will live after the first year. This genetic disorder effects the nervous system and delays the developement of the brain. Heart disease and kidney problems are common in individuals with Edward's Syndrome. Other organ problems are also common. Babies will seem weak and fragile. The head is unususally small, as are the mouth and ears. The baby may also have a cleft lip or cleft palate. Many times the hands are clenched into fists with overlapping fingers. It is also common for the child to have weebed or clubbed feet.** **The chances of a woman carrying a fetus with Edward's Syndrome increases as the woman gets older. The pregnant woman may have an unusually large uterus and extra amniotic fluid, which can be tested before the fetus is born to detect Edward's Syndrome. An unusually small placenta may be seen when the baby is born. Physical examination ofthe infant may show unusual finger print patterns. X-rays may show a short breast bone. This mutation effects all ethnic backrounds.**====