1. How could the baby inherit achondroplasia if there's no family history?

Achondroplasia can happen without a family history because it's often caused by a new mutation in the FGFR3 gene. This
means that it can occur spontaneously, without being passed down from either parent.
2. Is the mutation more likely to come from the mother or the father? Why?
The mutation is more likely to come from the father. This is because men produce new sperm throughout their lives,
increasing the chances of new mutations, especially as they age.
3. Could the next child have achondroplasia if the first one does? Why? Would the chances increase?
If the first child has achondroplasia due to a new mutation, the chance of having another child with it is very low, about 1
in 25,000. If one of the parents has achondroplasia, there's a 50% chance their next child will inherit it because it's
autosomal dominant.
4. Could X-rays or ultrasounds cause achondroplasia? Why?
No, X-rays or ultrasounds are unlikely to cause achondroplasia. This condition results from a specific gene mutation, and
the levels of radiation in these diagnostic tools are generally too low to cause such mutations.