The following are risk factors that greatly increase the chances of having a
baby born with downs syndrome. These include:
Mothers giving birth later in life. Today, many women are waiting until
their mid-thirties and forties to have babies. This may be ideal for
career-minded women, but it increases the odds of downs syndrome. The
occurrence of downs syndrome babies in women over the age of 35 are 1 in 350.
Moreover, this risk increases to 1 in 25 for women giving birth pass the age of
45.
Fathers having children later in life. Research has concluded that men over
the age of 50 have a greater chance of having a baby with downs syndrome. Having
another child with downs syndrome. If you already have a child with downs
syndrome, the odds of having another child with the same condition is 1 in 100.
Medical Consequences
Unfortunately, children born with downs syndrome have a strong chance of
slow development. This might include difficulty with learning and language.
With therapies and tutoring, these developmental issues are manageable.
However, additional health problems are also common among those living with
downs syndrome. More than half of all downs syndrome babies also develop heart
defects. Heart defects are generally corrected with surgery. Stomach and
intestinal problems are also common. These problems make it difficult for
children to digest their foods properly. Vomiting, nausea, constipation, and
abdominal discomfort are common. Other common problems include recurrent lung
infections which results in breathing difficulties. Leukemia, a form of cancer,
may also develop in children born with downs syndrome. Moreover, adults living
with downs syndrome may show signs of Alzheimer's disease at a very early age.