Question
Will mental retardation in the mother be inherited by the next generation?
Answer
There is a possibility of intergenerational inheritance of mental retardation from the mother, as mental retardation can be caused by chromosomal crypto- inheritance or gene mutations (seen in elderly mothers). If the mother does not carry this gene, the inheritance may reach the child across generations without manifesting mental retardation. However, if the mother has this gene, it is recommended to undergo prenatal checks before having a child, as there is a high probability of giving birth to a child with congenital Stupid . Nonetheless, it cannot be ruled out that other possibilities, besides genetic mutations, may be involved. It is advisable to check if there is a history of intergenerational inheritance in the family, and to undergo prenatal checks when pregnant.