About Down's Syndrome

Couples who are thinking of starting a family are curious about Down's Syndrome, which is also called "Down Syndrome". Everyone wants a healthy baby and there is quite a lot of information available to couples on the subject of prenatal health and the prevention of birth defects. Though many types of defects and abnormalities can be prevented, some cannot, such as Down Syndrome. Something about Down's Syndrome that couples may not know, is that it is not preventable and it is not inherited through family genetics. Children born with Down's Syndrome do not have to have a lesser quality of life than children without the disorder, but do require a higher degree of educational intervention, as well as guidance for behavior modification.

Down Syndrome occurs when extra genetic material is present on the 21st chromosome, and is represented through specific characteristics. According to various sources about Down's Syndrome, the chances of having a child born with the disorder increases with maternal age, especially age 35 and older. Screening for Down Syndrome is recommended for all women who have had a previous child born with the disorder, or a variation thereof, and for all women over the age of 35 years. Amniocentesis is the preferred method to sample fetal cells, and is the most definitive way to see if the fetus is affected with any disorder or abnormality.

There are other aspects about Down's Syndrome that can also be detected if the disorder is present. If the fetus is found to have a more severe form, called Trisomy 21, the pregnancy usually will prove to not be viable and will miscarry. If carried to term, the fetus usually does not live, and if it does, it will have an array of debilitating physical and medical issues that will limit the life span of the infant.

We have all seen children with the characteristic features of this disorder. Most children that have Down Syndrome have certain physical features such as: decreased muscle tone; a singular crease on each palm of the hand; flattened bridge of the nose; and epicanthal folds over each eye, giving them a Mongoloid appearance. Developmental delays and varying degrees of mental retardation are also present, requiring these children to have some type of special education, if feasible, and physical therapy, in addition to prescribed medical treatments and intervention. There is much to learn about Down's Syndrome, and couples that are thinking about having children should be aware of all the risk factors, incidence rates, characteristics, and what is entailed in caring for a child with Down Syndrome. If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, learn all you can about Down's Syndrome.

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