Down syndrome continues to be the most common chromosomal disorder. According to WHO, incidence of Down Syndrome is estimated to be around 1 in 1,000 to 1 live births worldwide. Between 1979 and 2003, the number of babies born with Down syndrome increased by about 30%. The good news is that the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome increased dramatically from 10 years old in 1960 to 47 years in 2007.
You can do nothing to prevent Down's syndrome. If you already have a child with Down's syndrome, you are definitely at high risk of having another child with Down syndrome. You may want to consult your gynaecologist or genetic counselor before becoming pregnant again.
Your gynaecologist or a genetic counselor can help you understand your chances of having a child with Down syndrome. He or she can also explain the prenatal tests that are available and help explain the pros and cons of testing.
Similarly if you are slightly older, your risk factor increases. You should consult a gynaecologist before becoming pregnant.
Read what Dr. Chandan Dubey has to say on Pre-conception care for a healthy pregnancy.
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