Prevention
As of right now there is no known way of preventing Down syndrome. It can happen to anyone in any race, ethnic group, social class, or nationality. The only well-known factor discovered to have an impact on the probability of having a child with Down syndrome is the maternal age (other factors that have less of an impact are listed in Early Detection). After the age of about 35, the woman's probability of having a child with Down syndrome increases rapidly. By the time a mother is 45 or older, the chances are about 1 in 50. |
Early Detection
Techniques for screening and prenatal diagnosis have developed greatly over the past few decades. Some of these techniques include amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and ultrasound examinations. In addition to a positive screening test, there are other factors that can lead to a prenatal diagnosis: Maternal age of 35+, paternal age of 50+, previous birth of a child with DS, a parent with balanced chromosome translocation, or a parent with a chromosome disorder. These newer detecting techniques allow doctors and parents to have a very accurate idea of whether or not their baby will be born with Down syndrome. This also allows everyone to prepare and go through counseling in anticipation of the infant's arrival. |