What part of the body does Down syndrome affect the most?
Down syndrome, the most common chromosome-related genetic condition in the U.S., affects development of the brain and body.
Where is Down syndrome found in the body?
The abnormality usually occurs in egg cells, but it occasionally occurs in sperm cells. An error in cell division called nondisjunction results in a reproductive cell with an abnormal number of chromosomes. For example, an egg or sperm cell may gain an extra copy of chromosome 21.
How does Down syndrome affect you physically?
Kids with Down syndrome tend to share certain physical features such as a flat facial profile, an upward slant to the eyes, small ears, and a protruding tongue.
What happens in the body to cause Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called “nondisjunction.” Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. Prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate.
Does Down syndrome come from Mom or Dad?
Most of the time, Down syndrome isn’t inherited. It’s caused by a mistake in cell division during early development of the fetus. Translocation Down syndrome can be passed from parent to child.
Can fathers age cause Down syndrome?
July 1, 2003 — Older fathers may contribute just as much as older mothers to the dramatic increase in Down syndrome risk faced by babies born to older couples. A new study found that older fathers were responsible for up to 50% of the rise in Down syndrome risk when the mother was also over 40.
What are the chances of having a child with Down syndrome after 40?
The chance of having a child with Down syndrome increases over time. The risk is about 1 in 1,250 for a woman who conceives at age 25. It increases to about 1 in 100 for a woman who conceives at age 40.
What increases Down syndrome risk?
Causes and Risk Factors One factor that increases the risk for having a baby with Down syndrome is the mother’s age. Women who are 35 years or older when they become pregnant are more likely to have a pregnancy affected by Down syndrome than women who become pregnant at a younger age.
Is 37 too old to have a baby?
Many women are able to carry pregnancies after age 35 and beyond. However, there are certain risks — for both mother and baby — that tend to increase with maternal age. Infertility. It may take longer to get pregnant as you get closer to menopause.
What is the perfect age to have a baby?
Experts say the best time to get pregnant is between your late 20s and early 30s. This age range is associated with the best outcomes for both you and your baby. One study pinpointed the ideal age to give birth to a first child as 30.5. Your age is just one factor that should go into your decision to get pregnant.