Trisomy 21
Down's syndrome, also known as Down syndrome, is a genetic condition that typically causes some level of learning disability and characteristic physical features.
Many babies born with Down's syndrome are diagnosed with the condition after birth and are likely to have:
Although children with Down's syndrome share some common physical characteristics, they do not all look the same. A child with Down's syndrome will look more like their mother, father or other family members thanother children with the syndrome.
People with Down's syndrome also vary in personality and ability. Everyone born with Down's syndrome will have a degree of learning disability, but the level of disability will be different for each individual.
Screening tests can't tell you for definite if your baby has Down's syndrome, but they can tell you how likely it is. If screening suggests there is a chance your baby does have Down's syndrome, further tests can be carried out during pregnancy to confirm it.
If testing indicates your child will be born with Down's syndrome, you should be offered genetic counselling to allow you and your partner to discuss the impact of the diagnosis.
You may also be offered an appointment to meet a doctor or other health professional who works with children with Down's syndrome, who can also tell you more about the condition and answer any questions you may have.
In the vast majority of cases, this isn't inherited and is simply the result of a one-off genetic change in the sperm or egg.
There is a small chance of having a child with Down's syndrome with every pregnancy, but the likelihood increases with the age of the mother. For example, a woman who is 20 has about a1 in 1,500 chance of having a baby with the condition, while a woman who is 40 has a1 in 100 chance.
There is no evidence that anything done before or during pregnancy increases or decreases the chance of having a childwith Down's syndrome.
This includes:
Improved education and support has led to more opportunitiesfor people with Down's syndrome. These include being able to leave home, form new relationships, gain employment and lead largely independent lives.
However, it is important to remember each child is different and it is not possible to predict how individuals will develop.
This guide is for people with care and support needs, as well astheir carers and relatives.
It includes information and advice on:
There are a number ofdisorders that are more common in people with Down's syndrome. These include:
Your child may be checked by a paediatrician more often than other children to pick up developing problems as early as possible.If you have any concerns about your child's health, discuss them with your GP, health visitor or paediatrician.
You can opt out of the register at any time.
Find out more about the register .
If you would like more information about Down's syndrome, you can visit the Down's Syndrome Associations
Down's syndrome, also known as Down syndrome, is a genetic condition that typically causes some level of learning disability and characteristic physical features.
Each person with Down's syndrome is affected differently, but most people with the condition share a number of physical characteristics.
Down's syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs as a result of an extra chromosome (chromosome 21).
Screening during pregnancy can determine the likelihood of a baby being born with Down's syndrome, but in many cases the condition is only diagnosed after birth.
Having Down's syndrome, or having a child with the condition, can be challenging at times.
Some children with Down's syndrome have very few health problems as a result of their condition. Others will need extra medical care and attention.
Richard Davis's daughter, Victoria, was born with Down's syndrome. He talks about the impact the condition has had on her and their family life.
Emily was born with Down's syndrome. Her mum, Sarah, talks about the health issues they faced and Emily's life today.