With support, many more people with Down’s syndrome are able to get jobs, have relationships and live semi-independently in adulthood. People with Down’s syndrome can have a good quality of life and most say they enjoy their lives. Many health problems can be treated but unfortunately around 5% of babies will not live past their first birthday.įor babies without serious health problems survival is similar to that of other children and most people with Down’s syndrome will live into their 60s or longer. These include heart conditions and problems with hearing and vision. Some health problems are more common in people with Down’s syndrome. Most children with Down’s syndrome attend mainstream schools but will require additional support. People with Down’s syndrome have distinctive facial features but they do not all look the same. They may have communication challenges and difficulty managing some everyday tasks. This means they will find it harder than most people to understand and to learn new things. Down’s syndrome ( T21)ĭown’s syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 in all or some cells of the body.Ī person with Down’s syndrome will have some level of learning disability. Screening cannot identify which form or what level of disability your baby will have. Having the extra chromosome in just some cells is called the mosaic form and can lead to milder effects for the child. They are all caused by having an extra copy of a chromosome in some or all cells of the body. Changes can occur in the sperm or egg cells, which can lead to a baby having an extra chromosome.īabies with Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome are born to mothers of all ages but the chance of having a baby with one of the conditions increases as the mother gets older. There are 23 pairs of chromosomes in each cell.

They carry the genes that determine how we develop. These are made of DNA (genetic material). Inside the cells of our bodies there are tiny structures called chromosomes. Following either of these screening tests you may be offered a diagnostic test to confirm whether or not the baby has one of the conditions.įind more information about Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome on the NHS website. You may then be offered a second type of screening test called NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing). The first screening test is called the combined test (or the quadruple test if you are later in your pregnancy). The screening process may involve several different tests. This screening will be offered if you’re having one baby or twins. Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome only.If you choose to have screening, you can be screened for: It may lead to personal choices about your pregnancy. Screening is not perfect and might provide an incorrect result. Some people want to find out if their baby has one of the conditions and some do not.

You do not have to have the screening test. To find out how likely it is that your baby has Down’s syndrome (Trisomy 21 or T21), Edwards’ syndrome (Trisomy 18 or T18) or Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13 or T13). This short animation explains screening for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome in pregnancy.ĭown’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome video 1. In this information, the word ‘we’ refers to the NHS service that provides screening.

Public Health England (PHE) created this information on behalf of the NHS.

Baby are you down down down down down