Women who, during pregnancy, have been in contact with damaging external factors, such as X-ray radiation. Women who have used certain medication during pregnancy. Women who have suffered from malnutrition during pregnancy. Recurring miscarriages or abortions can be the result of hereditary as well as other causes. Sometimes it is difficult to determine whether a handicapped child's disorder is due to hereditary factors or not.
Medical examination is therefore necessary.
If, after reading the above, you feel you may run an increased risk, it is best to consult your doctor. He can, if necessary, refer you to a specialist in clinical genetics. Genetic counselling is available at these institutes. They can advise you about causes of hereditary disorders, your risk factors and the possibilities of preventing the birth of a handicapped child. It is, thanks to present scientific knowledge, possible to reduce the number of children born with a mental or physical handicap.