Signs of down syndrome during pregnancy
- how is down syndrome diagnosed
- how is down syndrome diagnosed after birth
- how is down syndrome diagnosed before birth
- how is down syndrome diagnosed after birth uk
What happens if down syndrome test is positive.
Down Syndrome
What it is
Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21.
What causes down syndrome
Chromosomes are small "packages" of genes in the body's cells, which determine how the body forms and functions.
When babies are growing, the extra chromosome changes how their body and brain develop. This can cause both physical and mental challenges.
People with Down syndrome often have developmental challenges, such as being slower to learn to speak than other children.
Distinct physical signs of Down syndrome are usually present at birth and become more apparent as the baby grows.
They can include facial features, such as:
- A flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose
- Almond-shaped eyes that slant up
- A tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth
Other physical signs can include:
- A short neck
- Small ears, hands, and feet
- A single line across the palm of the hand (palmar crease)
- Small pinky fingers
- Poor muscle tone or loose joints
- Shorter-than-average height
Some people with Down syndrome have other medical problems as well.
Common health problems
- how is down syndrome diagnosed in pregnancy
- how is down syndrome diagnosed at birth