Down Syndrome is a condition in which a person is born with a partial or full extra copy of the 21st chromosome.Down Syndrome is caused by extra genetic material that alters the normal course of development.There are more than 50 characteristics associated with Down Syndrome.Maternal age increases the risk of having a child with Down Syndrome.It is possible for a child with Down Syndrome to get the support they need to grow into a happy, healthy adult.
Step 1: There is a screening test for pregnant women.
If there is an increased chance that your fetus has a disability, the test can show if Down Syndrome is present.It is possible to have a blood test during the first trimester.The doctor can use the blood test to look for markers that suggest the presence of Down Syndrome.The second option is to have a blood test during the second trimester.This checks up to four different markers for genetic material.Some people use a combination of the two screening methods to produce a Down Syndrome chance rating.The substances in a blood test may be harder to detect if the person is carrying twins or triplets.
Step 2: A pregnant woman can get a diagnostic test.
The test involves taking a sample of genetic material and having it tested for something else.Test results can be provided in 1-2 weeks.Before a diagnostic test could be performed, a screening test was required.People have decided to skip the screening and go directly for the test.Amniocentesis is a method of testingamniotic fluid for genetic material.This can't be completed until weeks 14-18 of the baby's birth.chorionic villus is a method of removing cells from the placenta.The test is done in weeks 9-11 of the baby's birth.The most accurate method is the final one.The blood must be taken from the uterus.Between the 18th and 22nd weeks is when this method is done.There is a 1-2% risk in all testing methods.
Step 3: Take the mother's blood.
She can have her blood tested if she believes her fetus has Down Syndrome.The test will determine if her genetic material is consistent with the 21st century.A woman's age is the biggest factor affecting her chances.A woman who is 25 has a 1 in 1,200 chance of having a baby with Down Syndrome.The chance increases to 1 in 350 by the age of 35.The child is more likely to have Down Syndrome if both parents have it.
Step 4: Low muscle tone is what to look for.
Babies with low muscle tone feel likerag dolls when held.Hypotonia is a condition.The flexed knees and elbows of infants are different to those with low muscle tone.Babies with hypotonia usually slip from their parents' hands because their arms rise without resistance.Weak stomach muscles are caused by hypotonia.The stomach may extend more than usual.Poor muscle control of the head is a symptom.
Step 5: Look for a shorter height.
Down Syndrome children are often shorter in stature than other children.A person with Down Syndrome will most likely be short through adulthood.The mean birth length for both males and females with Down Syndrome is 18.9 in.The average length for those without the disability is 51.5 cm.
Step 6: The neck should be short and wide.
Excess fat or skin around the neck should be looked for.Also, neck instability is a common issue.People with Down Syndrome are more likely to have neck dislocation than other people.A lump behind the ear, a stiff neck, and changes in the way a person walks are all symptoms that caretakers should be aware of.
Step 7: Look for appendages that are short and stocky.
The legs, arms, fingers, and toes are included.Those with Down Syndrome have shorter arms and legs, a shorter torso, and higher knees than those without it.People with Down Syndrome have webbed toes, which are distinguished by the fusion of the second and third toe.There is a deep crease on the sole of the foot, as well as a wide space between the big toe and second toes.Sometimes the fifth finger can only have one furrow, or place where the finger bends.Hyperflexibility is a symptom.The joints seem to easily extend beyond the normal range of motion.A child with Down Syndrome may be at risk of falling over if they do the splits.There is a single crease across the palm of the hand and a finger that curves towards the thumb.
Step 8: A flat nose is what you should look for.
Many people with Down Syndrome have flat, rounded, wide noses.The flat section of the nose is called the nasal bridge.This area is being pushed in.
Step 9: Slanted eye shape is what you should look for.
Those with Down Syndrome have round eyes.The outer corners of most eyes turn downward, but those with Down Syndrome have eyes that turn upward.Brushfield spots are harmless brown or white specks in the iris of the eyes.There are folds between the eyes and nose.These can look like eye bags.
Step 10: Small ears are what you should look for.
People with Down Syndrome tend to have smaller ears.Some people have ears that fold over slightly.
Step 11: There is an irregularly shaped mouth, tongue, and/or teeth.
The tongue may protrude from the mouth due to low muscle tone.In a different order, teeth may come in later.The teeth may be small or out of place.Once a child is old enough, an orthodontist can help with crooked teeth.Children with Down Syndrome can wear braces for a long time.
Step 12: Look for intellectual and learning disabilities.
Most people with Down Syndrome don't learn as quickly as their peers.Speaking may or may not pose a challenge for an individual with Down Syndrome.Some learn sign language before they speak.People with Down Syndrome are able to comprehend new words as they get older.At 12 years old, your child will be more capable than at 2.Those with Down Syndrome may have difficulty mastering the rules.Those with Down Syndrome use shorter sentences with less detail.It can be hard for them to say Enunciation.Speaking clearly may be a challenge.Speech therapy can help people with Down Syndrome.
Step 13: Look for congenital heart defects.
Half of all children with Down Syndrome are born with a heart defect.The Atrioventricular Septal Defect is one of the most common defects.Difficulties occurring alongside heart defects include heart failure, difficulty breathing, and an inability to thrive during the newborn period.Babies with heart defects only show up for a few months after birth.Newborns with Down Syndrome should get an echocardiogram in the first few months after birth.
Step 14: Look for problems with vision and hearing.
Common ailments that affect vision and hearing are more common in people with Down Syndrome.Not all people with Down Syndrome need glasses or contacts.80% of people with Down Syndrome have some type of hearing problem.People with Down Syndrome are more likely to need glasses.Many people with Down Syndrome have discharge or tearing of the eyes.Hearing loss can cause damage to the cochlea, interference with the middle ear, and ear wax.Hearing impairment affects children's ability to learn.
Step 15: Mental health issues and developmental disabilities can be found.
Half of people with Down Syndrome will experience a mental health condition.General anxiety, repetitive and obsessive-compulsive behaviors, oppositional, impulsive, and inattentive behaviors are some of the most common disabilities for those with Down Syndrome.Symptoms of mood disorders, as well as deficits in social relations, are present in younger children who have difficulties with language and communication.Depression, generalized anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors are usually present in adolescents and young adults.Chronic sleep difficulties and daytime fatigue may be what they have.Older adults are vulnerable to depression, generalized anxiety, social withdrawal, loss of interest, and diminished self-care.
Step 16: There are other health conditions that may develop.
People with Down Syndrome are more likely to develop certain conditions as children and as they age.There is a higher risk of leukemia in children with Down Syndrome.It is more than other children.There is an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease among older persons with Down Syndrome due to increased life expectancy and improved health care.75% of people with Down Syndrome over the age of 65 have Alzheimer's disease.
Step 17: Consider their control of the motor.
People with Down Syndrome may have difficulty with gross motor skills, such as walking, going up or down stairs.
Step 18: Different individuals will have different characteristics.
Each person with Down Syndrome has their own characteristics and quirks.A person with Down Syndrome may have different symptoms than the rest of the population.People with Down Syndrome are not the same as people without it.One woman with Down Syndrome may communicate by typing, hold a job, and be only mildly intellectually disabled, while her son may be completely verbal, most likely unable to work.It is still worth talking to a doctor if a person has some symptoms but not others.