I am 36 years old and thinking of starting a family. Will my child be born with Down syndrome?

The chance of your baby being born with Down syndrome is quite high due to the age factor. However, your doctor will suggest screening tests very early in the pregnancy to detect the possibility of Down syndrome in the child, so that you can make an informed decision.

My child has Down syndrome. Will he be able to lead a normal life in the future?

Yes. Children with Down syndrome are now able to lead fairly normal and productive adult lives. Excellent medical care and rehabilitation facilities have provided great aid in managing the effects of Down syndrome.

Can a child with Down syndrome participate in extracurricular activities?

A child with Down syndrome may have certain physical limitations, but that should not stop the child from enjoying physical extracurricular activities. With some modifications, as guided by the child’s physiotherapist or occupational therapist, he or she can enjoy games, sports and other extracurricular activities.

Down syndrome

Written By Dr. Sakshi SharmaBDS

Reviewed By Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Last updated on: 27 Sep 2022 | 06:23 PM (IST)

Also known as Down's Syndrome, Trisomy 21, Mongolism

Overview

Down syndrome is one of the most common genetic disorders seen in children. It occurs when the child is born with an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are thread-like structures found in every cell of the body. They carry hereditary information in the form of genetic codes. The presence of an extra chromosome in a child can affect the development of the baby’s body and brain, leading to birth defects, learning problems, and abnormal facial features.

The risk of a baby being born with Down syndrome is slightly high in women who conceive at or after 35 years. A 35-year-old woman has a 1 in 350 chance of conceiving a baby with Down syndrome. Routine antenatal (pregnancy-related) screening tests can help detect the condition early in the pregnancy (first trimester).

Down syndrome is a lifelong condition. Currently, there are no approved medicines available for its treatment. Medical treatment is driven symptomatically based on the comorbidities affecting the individual. This helps to improve the quality of life and also helps increase life expectancy of the person.

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Overview

Key Facts

Causes

Types

Symptoms

Risk factors

Diagnosis

Prevention

Specialist to visit

Treatment

Home-care

Complications

Living with

FAQs

References