Definition:
A type of chromosomal abnormality in which a piece of a chromosome has broken off and attached to another chromosome.
Multiple types of translocations may occur, but balanced translocations are present in one or both partners in roughly 5% of couples who experience recurrent miscarriages. A person with a balanced translocation will have all the necessary genetic material for normal life and will usually have no symptoms from the translocation. However, that person will have a 50% chance of producing offspring with an unbalanced translocation. Pregnancies involving an unbalanced translocation have greater odds of miscarriage due to missing or extra genetic material in the developing baby.
