Down Syndrome

Nearly every pregnant woman receives information on Down syndrome. When you're older, you are offered various tests to determine whether your fetus is affected by the condition.
Down syndrome was given its name by British physician 1. Langdon Down in the 19th century. He found that babies born with the syndrome have an extra chromosome 21. Symptoms of the condition are present to some degree in all babies born with the syndrome. These symptoms include mental retardation; a sloping forehead; short, broad hands with a single palm crease; a flat nose or absent nose bridge; low-set ears and a dwarfed physique.

Through medical research, we know some women are at higher risk of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome than others are. Women with increased risk include older women, those who have previously given birth to a child with Down syndrome and those who have Down syndrome themselves.

The statistical risk of delivering a baby with Down syndrome increases with age. However, there are some positive aspects to these statistics. If you're 45, you have a 97% chance of not having a baby with Down syndrome. If you're 49, you have a 92% chance of delivering a child without Down syndrome.

Your risk of delivering a child with Down syndrome, depending on your age, is shown below:

•    at age 25, the risk is 1 in 1,300 births
•    at 30, 1 in 965 births
•    at 35, 1 in 365 births
•    at 40, 1 in 109 births
•    at 45, 1 in 32 births
•    at 49, 1 in 12 births


Diagnosing Down Syndrome before Birth
Many tests can help diagnose Down syndrome in a developing fetus. They are not offered to every woman; they are usually offered only to women at high risk, those 35 and older carrying one baby and those over 32 carrying multiple fetuses. Some women with higher risk choose not to take the tests because they would not terminate their pregnancy even if the child had Down syndrome.
If you are concerned about Down syndrome, have one or more of the tests listed in the box on the opposite page. You might have the test if you and your partner (and the rest of the family) wanted to be mentally and emotionally prepared for this special child. You might want the test if you would consider terminating your pregnancy.

Many families say they would welcome any child into their lives, no matter what his or her condition. If this is your attitude, enjoy your pregnancy and don't worry about it.

Down Syndrome Children Are Special
People want to know if there are any positive aspects of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome. The answer is "Yes!"

As a society, we have come to realize that children born with Down syndrome bring a special, valuable quality of life into our world. Down children are well known for the love and the joy they bring to their families and friends. They remind us of the pleasure in accomplishing simple tasks when they learn new skills. They embody the concept of unconditional love, and we can often learn how to cope and to grow as we interact with them.

Rearing a child with Down syndrome can be challenging, but many who have faced this challenge are positive about the impact these special children have in their lives. If you have a child with Down syndrome, you may work harder for every small advancement in your child's life, but your rewards will be great. You may experience frustration and feelings of helplessness at times, but every parent has these feelings at some time.

It's Your Decision
If you are carrying a child with Down syndrome, you and your partner have many things to consider. Some couples elect to terminate the pregnancy. Many others welcome the birth of this special child into their families.

Whatever decision you make, it must be your decision. Do not allow yourself or your partner to be pressured into making any decision without your full understanding of the situation. Seek information. Talk to parents of children with Down syndrome. Make your decision based on the feelings you and your partner share. There are positive and negative aspects to consider, as there are with any child. Whatever decision you make may be difficult; involve your physician and your partner in the process.