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Edwards' syndrome (trisomy 18)

Edwards’ syndrome, also called trisomy 18, is a rare genetic condition that cannot currently be cured. It’s often diagnosed in pregnancy or soon after a baby is born.

Symptoms of Edwards’ syndrome

Newborn babies with Edwards’ syndrome may have some, or all, of the following symptoms:

  • low birth weight
  • ears in a low position on their head
  • cleft lip or palate
  • club foot
  • problems with their heart, kidneys or spine
  • problems with their breathing or digestion

Each person with Edwards’ syndrome is different, and there are also different types which can cause different symptoms.

Causes of Edwards’ syndrome

Edwards' syndrome (trisomy 18) is a genetic condition, caused by an extra chromosome in the body’s cells. With trisomy 18 there are 3 copies of chromosome 18 rather than the usual 2.

It's not possible to prevent Edwards' syndrome. It happens by chance and is not linked to anything you did before or during pregnancy.

Your chance of having a baby with Edwards' syndrome increases as you get older. There's also a small increased risk if you’ve already had a pregnancy or baby affected by Edwards’ syndrome.

Diagnosing Edwards' syndrome

Edwards' syndrome is usually screened for in pregnancy. It's also possible to test for it after your baby is born.

Screening for Edwards’ syndrome

If you’re pregnant, you’ll be offered a screening test to find out your chance of having a baby with Edwards’ syndrome.

At 10 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, you’ll be invited to a combined test. This is a combined blood test and ultrasound scan, sometimes called the 12-week scan.

If you missed your combined test or it was not possible to complete it, you should be offered a quadruple blood screening test. You can have this test between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

If screening finds something, you’ll be referred to a specialist and may be offered more scans and tests, such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

The amniocentesis and CVS tests will be able to tell you if your baby definitely has Edwards’ syndrome, and what this might mean for you and your baby.

It's your choice if you want to have any of these tests or not. They're the best way to find out if your baby could have Edwards' syndrome, but not everyone wants this information. Talk to your midwife about your options.

Get support

Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) has information about screening tests and how you might feel if you're told your baby has, or might have, a condition.

Call the helpline on 020 7713 7486 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm).

Types of Edwards' syndrome

There are 3 types of Edwards’ syndrome (trisomy 18):

  • full trisomy 18 – the most common and most serious type
  • mosaic trisomy 18 – a less common type, which may have less serious symptoms
  • partial trisomy 18 – a very rare type, which may have less serious symptoms

Tests during pregnancy will not always be able to tell you what symptoms your baby will have. After your baby is born, you may be offered further tests to help you understand the type of Edwards’ syndrome they have.

Information:

Find out more

Living with Edwards' syndrome

Although Edwards’ syndrome affects everyone differently, some types can cause more serious health conditions and affect how long a person born with Edwards' syndrome lives.

Most babies with full Edwards’ syndrome (full trisomy 18) die before or shortly after being born.

Babies born with mosaic or partial trisomy 18 may have fewer health symptoms, and some will grow up to become adults.

Everyone with Edwards' syndrome will have some level of learning disability and health challenges.

Some people will be more independent and be able to do things like get a job. Others might need more regular care.

But, like everyone, people with Edwards' syndrome have:

  • their own personalities
  • things they like and dislike
  • things that make them who they are

Having a child with Edwards' syndrome (trisomy 18)

Three families share their experience of having a child with Edwards' syndrome, also called trisomy 18. This video contains sensitive content that some may find upsetting.

Media last reviewed: 20 April 2022
Media review due: 20 April 2025
Information:

Find out more

Treatment for Edwards’ syndrome

There's currently no cure for Edwards' syndrome, but there are treatments and support to help children and adults with the condition have the best possible quality of life.

A range of healthcare professionals may be involved in your child's care. They'll help to create a care plan and advise you about which treatments are suitable for your child's specific needs.

Treatment and support may include:

  • regular monitoring and treatment (including surgery) for heart problems, breathing problems and digestive issues
  • physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy
  • pain control and palliative care for more severe symptoms

Help and support for Edwards' syndrome

If your child has Edwards' syndrome, healthcare professionals will be there to support you.

You may also find it helpful to get support from other people with Edwards' syndrome, or parents of children with Edwards' syndrome.

There are also charities offering support for premature or sick babies, and support after the loss of a baby.

SOFT UK

SOFT UK provides support and information for people affected by Edwards' syndrome (trisomy 18) or Patau's syndrome (trisomy 13).

Bliss

Bliss supports sick or premature babies and their parents.

Page last reviewed: 19 February 2025
Next review due: 19 February 2028