Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an abnormal cell division that results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental and physical characteristics of Down syndrome.

growth delays

Children with Down syndrome take longer to reach developmental milestones such as sitting, talking, and walking. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapy can help improve physical and speech development

Intellectual disabilities

Most children with Down syndrome have mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. This means they may have difficulty with memory, learning new things, concentration, thinking, or making decisions that affect their daily lives. They may also experience delays in language and speech development

Risk factors

Advancing maternal age: A womans chances of having a child with Down syndrome increase with age because the eggs of older women are more likely to undergo incorrect chromosome division. The risk of having a baby with Down syndrome increases after age 35. However, most babies with Down syndrome are born to women under 35, as younger women tend to have more children

One parent carries the gene variant for Down syndrome. Both men and women can pass this gene variant on to their children

Having a child with Down syndrome. Parents who already have one child with Down syndrome, and parents who carry the gene variant, have a higher risk of having another child with Down syndrome

When to see a doctor?

Down syndrome is usually diagnosed before or during birth. A genetic counselor can help you understand your risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. They can also explain the available prenatal tests and their advantages and disadvantages. A genetic counselor can also help you assess your risk of having another child with Down syndrome

If you have any questions about pregnancy, your babys growth and development, if you are at higher risk of having a baby with Down syndrome, or if you already have a baby with Down syndrome, please dont hesitate to visit our Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the International Medical Center and speak with our highly qualified and trusted genetic counselor before pregnancy. Source: Mayo Clinic