What it is
It usually happens by chance and is not caused by anything the parents did. The chance increases with the mother's age.
Screening is offered in pregnancy. Care after birth focuses on comfort and support for the family, with specialist teams helping to plan care.
Common signs
- Small size and low birth weight
- Heart and kidney problems
- Clenched fists with overlapping fingers
- A small head and jaw
- Feeding and breathing difficulties
How it is usually diagnosed
- Screening tests in pregnancy
- Diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or CVS
- Chromosome test after birth
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Pregnancy screening and diagnostic test results
- Scan reports
- Specialist team letters and care plans
Questions to ask your doctor
- What does this mean for our baby and the pregnancy?
- What support is available for us?
- What is the chance in a future pregnancy?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A baby with breathing difficulty or who stops feeding: call 112 or follow the agreed care plan
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.