Whitney Dean tragically lost her baby, Peach, because the baby was diagnosed with Edwards' Syndrome, a severe genetic condition that meant she was not compatible with life.
Whitney and Zack Hudson, Peach's parents, received the devastating news that their daughter had this condition, leading to the heartbreaking decision and eventual loss of their baby.
Understanding Edwards' Syndrome (Trisomy 18)
Edwards' Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 18, is a rare but serious genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18. Normally, a baby inherits 23 chromosomes from each parent, making a total of 46 chromosomes in each cell. In Trisomy 18, there are three copies of chromosome 18 instead of the usual two.
Key characteristics and implications of Edwards' Syndrome include:
- Severe Developmental Issues: Babies born with Edwards' Syndrome often have multiple severe birth defects and health problems affecting nearly every organ system.
- High Mortality Rate: Sadly, most babies with Edwards' Syndrome do not survive to term or live beyond their first year of life. The condition is often described as "not compatible with life" due to the significant challenges it poses to a baby's development and survival.
- Variability: While the condition is typically severe, the exact impact can vary, but it almost always leads to significant health complications.
For more information on Edwards' Syndrome, you can refer to reputable medical sources such as the NHS website or the Mayo Clinic.
Whitney and Zack's experience highlights the profound grief and difficult decisions faced by parents who receive such diagnoses during pregnancy. Their story on the show depicted the emotional journey of coping with this tragic loss.
