Question
My brother and his wife have been divorced for 4 years and now want to have a child. They went for a detailed check-up before trying to conceive. The doctor diagnosed a chromosome abnormality. What does chromosome abnormality mean?
Answer
A normal male or female has 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46, mainly composed of DNA and proteins, serving as carriers of genetic information. According to your description, a detailed chromosome check before trying to conceive indicated a chromosome abnormality. It is not clear which chromosome is affected and what specific problem it has, so it is recommended to undergo further examination for a precise diagnosis if necessary. Some chromosome abnormalities can lead to infertility, miscarriage, fetal malformation, and other conditions. It is crucial to have a clear understanding.