Causes of Down's Syndrome

7/27/2019 Causes of Down's Syndrome

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CAUSES OF DOWNS SYNDROME

Down syndrome (or Down's syndrome) is a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division

that results in an extra 21st chromosome. The condition leads to impairments in both cognitive

ability and physical growth that range from mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Through a

series of screenings and tests, Down syndrome can be detected before and after a baby is born.

INCREASED CHANCE

The age of a woman when she becomes pregnant (the maternal age) is the only clear factor to be

identified as increasing the chance of having a baby with Down's syndrome.For example, a woman who is:

-25 years of age has a risk of 1 in 1,250


-35 years of age has a risk of 1 in 400



However, babies with Down's syndrome are born to mothers of all ages and over half of babies with

Down's syndrome are born to mothers who are under 35. This is because women under 35 make up

the majority of the child-bearing population.

It is not known exactly what causes the extra chromosome 21. It can come from either parent and

there is no way of predicting the likelihood of a person making an egg or sperm with an extra

chromosome. There is currently no clinical evidence that anything done before or during pregnancy

causes the syndrome


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CAUSES OF DOWNS SYNDROME

Down syndrome (or Down's syndrome) is a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division

that results in an extra 21st chromosome. The condition leads to impairments in both cognitive

ability and physical growth that range from mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Through a

series of screenings and tests, Down syndrome can be detected before and after a baby is born.

INCREASED CHANCE

The age of a woman when she becomes pregnant (the maternal age) is the only clear factor to be

identified as increasing the chance of having a baby with Down's syndrome.For example, a woman who is:






However, babies with Down's syndrome are born to mothers of all ages and over half of babies with

Down's syndrome are born to mothers who are under 35. This is because women under 35 make up

the majority of the child-bearing population.

It is not known exactly what causes the extra chromosome 21. It can come from either parent and

there is no way of predicting the likelihood of a person making an egg or sperm with an extra

chromosome. There is currently no clinical evidence that anything done before or during pregnancy

causes the syndrome


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What causes Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is caused by a problem with a baby?schromosomes.Normally, a person has 46

chromosomes. But most people with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes. In rare cases, other

chromosome problems cause Down syndrome. Having extra or abnormal chromosomes changes the

way thebrain and body develop.

Experts don't know the exact cause, but some things increase the chance that you'll have a baby withDown syndrome. These things are called risk factors.

Your risk ofhaving a baby with Down syndrome is higher if:

You are older when you getpregnant.Many doctors believe that the risk increases for women age 35

and older.

You have a brother or sister who has Down syndrome.

You had another baby with Down syndrome.

If you've had a baby with Down syndrome and are planning another pregnancy, you may want to talk

to your doctor about genetic counseling.

What are the symptoms?

Most children with Down syndrome have:

Distinctive facial features, such as a flat face, smallears,slantingeyes,and a small mouth.

A short neck and short arms and legs.

Weak muscles and loose joints. Muscle tone usually improves by late childhood.

Below-average intelligence.

Many children with Down syndrome are also born withheart,intestine, ear, orbreathing problems.

These health conditions often lead to other problems, such as airway (respiratory) infections or

hearing loss. But most of these problems can be treated.
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Causes of Down's Syndrome