How To Avoid Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that develops when an error or abnormality in the cell divisions leads to an extra copy of Chromosome 21. The condition affects a person’s physical growth and cognitive abilities, causing moderate to mild developmental issues. Many of the developmental disabilities last for a lifetime and possibly reduce life expectancy. 

One out of every 700 pregnancies results in the birth of a child with Down syndrome. Children born with this condition have distinctive features – small head, short neck, flattened face, protruding tongue, and upward slanting eyelids. 

Most often, Down syndrome is not inherited – it is rather caused by an error in the cell division during the early development of the foetus. Some parents are at a higher risk of having a child with this genetic disorder. The risk factors include –

• Old-age pregnancy – The chances of having a baby with Down syndrome increase as you grow older. This is because the more you age, the more risk the eggs have of improper chromosome division. Studies show that the risk of conceiving a baby with this condition goes up after age 35. Nevertheless, most children with genetic syndrome are born to people below 35 years of age since younger mothers are likely to give birth to more babies.

• Genetic predisposition to Translocation Down syndrome – Both women and men may pass the genetic translocation for the condition on to their kids.

• Having had a baby with Down syndrome – Parents, who themselves have a translocation or have had a baby with Down syndrome, have a greater risk of giving birth to a second child with the genetic condition. 

How to prevent Down syndrome?

Down syndrome cannot be prevented. However, parents can take certain steps to lower the risk of having a child with this condition. Here are some steps to follow –

• Plan an early pregnancy – If you wish your baby to be born healthy, it is best to start planning ahead of conception. In the majority of cases, birth defects happen during the initial 3 months of pregnancy, when the organs of the foetus are developing. Being ready from the beginning of the process can improve the chances of your baby’s good health. 

• Avoid toxic substances – Exposure to harmful substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, as well as substances found in the workplace, home, or environment may have severe consequences on the unborn child during pregnancy. These may also affect the mother’s health and ability to give birth. The best way to avoid risks is to stave off toxic substances. For example – quitting smoking can improve the likelihood of a mother giving birth to a healthy baby and avoiding certain birth defects, such as Down syndrome. 

• Turn to a healthy lifestyle – The health of the mother during pregnancy directly affects the health of the unborn child. There are several things, which you can do to keep yourself and your baby in the best of health during this time and lower the risk of birth defects in the baby. The key to opting for a healthy lifestyle starts with regular exercising, maintaining ideal body weight, and following a healthy diet that mainly includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. 

Even if you cannot prevent Down syndrome, you can certainly ensure that your child is at the minimal risk of being born with the genetic disorder by following the above precautionary measures. 

Most importantly, consult and discuss with your doctor about planning your pregnancy while you are still in your late 20s or early 30s, as well as about avoiding toxic substances, and opting for a healthy lifestyle.