Learn about Down syndrome to advocate for care
Having a child is an exci ng experience full of an cipa on. Thanks to modern medicine, expec ng parents are able to learn much more about the li le one they will welcome into the world while the fetus is in utero than their own parents could decades ago.
Modern medicine makes it possible to approximate a baby’s length, weight, gender, and even if the child will be born with a head full of hair. Doctors also can u lize technology to look for gene c abnormali es, including Down syndrome, so parents can educate and prepare themselves for such situa ons. The Centers for Disease Control and Preven on says that Down syndrome occurs in approximately one in every 700 pregnancies. Many factors can elevate the risk for Down syndrome, including having already had a child with Down syndrome. Women older than age 35 are more likely to give birth to a child with Down syndrome than women younger than 35, making age one of the biggest risk factors. Down syndrome also may be referred to as trisomy 21. That’s because the syndrome occurs in most cases when there is a third copy — either complete or par al — of chromosome 21. Normally there are two copies of every chromosome. The Mayo Clinic says a third copy results from abnormal cell division while the fetus is developing. This extra gene c material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is the most common gene c chromosomal disorder and cause of learning disabili es in children. The Mayo Clinic also states that the disorder commonly causes other medical issues, including heart defects and gastrointes nal disorders.
Down syndrome cannot be prevented, advises the Cleveland Clinic. However, families can take steps to reduce the risk. Giving birth before the age of 35 can significantly reduce risk. The CDC says Down syndrome occurs in fewer than one in 1,000 pregnancies in which the mother gives birth before the age of 30. A er the age of 40, this figure rises to about 12 in 1,000. Taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy also may help lower the likelihood that a baby is born with Down syndrome.
The outlook for babies born with Down syndrome is quite good. Many traits and condi ons are manageable with treatment and therapies. The level of cogni ve impairment is unique to each individual and may be mild to moderate. Other effects, such as obesity, sleep apnea and diges ve problems, may be treated. With medical care, support from parents and family and educa on, many people with Down syndrome live very ac ve and healthy lives. The life expectancy for babies born with Down syndrome is now 60 or older.
A variety of organiza ons provide support and informa on for parents of children with Down syndrome. These include the Na onal Down Syndrome Society and the Na onal Associa on for Down Syndrome. Contact these and other groups for more informa on.