Down syndrome is a genetic condition that happens when a child is born with an extra chromosome. The extra chromosome affects the way the child’s brain and body develop, leading to developmental delays, intellectual disability and an increased risk for certain medical issues.
What problems do Down syndrome babies have?
Having Down syndrome also increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Other problems. Down syndrome may also be associated with other health conditions, including endocrine problems, dental problems, seizures, ear infections, and hearing and vision problems.
Can two parents with Down syndrome have a normal baby?
Any couple can have a baby with Down’s syndrome, but it is well known that older women are more likely to have a baby with the condition than younger women.
Can Down syndrome produce normal babies?
Women with Down syndrome are able to have children, but many men with the condition unfortunately are not able to, however it is possible. Women who have Down syndrome are able to have children; they have a 35-50% chance that their baby will have Down syndrome.
How does a baby come out with Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called “nondisjunction.” Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. Prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate.
Do Down syndrome babies cry differently?
Just like any baby, infants who have Down syndrome will sometimes be fussy. The temperament of a baby with Down syndrome is not usually any different from the temperament of any other baby.
Do Down syndrome babies act different?
At birth, babies with Down syndrome are often the same size as other babies, but they tend to grow more slowly. Because they often have less muscle tone, they may seem floppy and have trouble holding their heads up, but this usually gets better with time.
Can you marry a person with Down syndrome?
Two people with Down syndrome can’t be married, or those two people will lose their benefits. If they don’t get married, then the benefits stay intact.
Can Down syndrome be cured?
Down syndrome cannot be cured. Early treatment programs can help improve skills. They may include speech, physical, occupational, and/or educational therapy. With support and treatment, many people with Down syndrome live happy, productive lives.
Can Down syndrome be cured during pregnancy?
The extra chromosome can’t be removed from cells, so there’s no cure for the condition. The chromosomes divide incorrectly by accident, not because of anything the parents have done. Although the chance of having a child with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother, anyone can have a baby with Down syndrome.