What it is
The chance of having a baby with Down's syndrome increases with the mother's age, but babies with it are born to parents of all ages. Screening is offered in pregnancy.
People with Down's syndrome are more likely to have some health conditions, such as heart problems, thyroid problems, hearing and vision problems, and are offered regular health checks.
Common signs
- Distinct facial features, such as eyes that slant upwards
- Floppiness (low muscle tone) as a baby
- Some level of learning disability
- Delayed development
How it is usually diagnosed
- Screening and diagnostic tests in pregnancy
- Chromosome test after birth
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Chromosome test results
- Heart scan results
- Annual thyroid, hearing and eye check results
- Development and education plans
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which health checks are recommended, and how often?
- What support is available for development and education?
- Where can we find support groups?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A baby with blue lips, breathing difficulty or who stops feeding: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.