Triploidy: What You Need to Know

Triploidy is a genetic disorder that occurs when an individual has three copies of a chromosome instead of the usual two. This can happen when there is an error in cell division during the formation of an egg or sperm, or when two fertilized eggs fuse together. Triploidy is a rare condition, occurring in about 1 in 1000 pregnancies.

Most triploid pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth. If a triploid baby is born alive, they will have a number of health problems, including:

* Intellectual disability

* Developmental delays

* Growth problems

* Organ defects

* Cleft lip and palate

* Heart defects

* Kidney problems

* Liver problems

* Immune system problems

The prognosis for triploid babies is poor. Most will die in infancy or early childhood. However, some triploid children do survive into adulthood. With early intervention and medical care, they can live full and productive lives.

If you are pregnant and have a high risk of having a triploid baby, your doctor may recommend genetic testing. If the test results show that your baby is triploid, you will need to make some difficult decisions about whether to continue the pregnancy.