Very unlikely. For parents with a child with Down syndrome due to non-disjunction or mosaicism, the chances of having another child with the condition is the same as it was before they had their child with Down. Parents of children with Down syndrome due to translocation run a slightly higher chance of the condition repeating itself. As noted above, this chance is approximately 3%.

The only well known risk factor for conceiving a child with Down syndrome is advanced maternal age. The older the woman is at conception, the greater the risk of having a child with Down syndrome.

Women with Down syndrome have a 50% risk of conceiving a child with Down syndrome. If the father has Down syndrome, the risk of conceiving a child with Down syndrome is also increased.

No. Down syndrome occurs at conception, so nothing in the pregnancy can cause Down syndrome to occur. As for prior to conception, the research all shows that drug or alcohol use does not increase the risk of having a child with DS.

The diagnosis of Down syndrome can be made before birth using one of several diagnostic tests such asAmniocentesis and Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These tests carry a small risk of miscarriage.

If Down syndrome is suspected after a child is born, a diagnosis can be made via chromosome analysis.

Although the severity of Down syndrome ranges from mild to severe, most individuals with Down syndrome have widely recognizable physical characteristics. These include:

• a flattened face and nose, a short neck, a small mouth sometimes with a large, protruding tongue, small ears, upward slanting eyes that may have small skin folds at the inner corner (epicanthal fold);
• white spots (also known as Brushfield spots) may be present on the colored part of the eye (iris);
• the hands are short and broad with short fingers, and with a single crease in the palm;
• poor muscle tone and loose ligaments are also common; and
• development and growth is usually delayed and often average height and developmental milestones are not reached.

It is very important to stimulate, encourage, and educate children with Down syndrome from infancy. Programs for young children with special needs are offered in many communities as for Nepal DSA NEPAL provide such program. Early intervention programs, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can be very helpful.

While some individuals with Down syndrome find suitable paid employment, many others are volunteers, or hold no job. Individuals with Down syndrome who wish to work should receive adequate training and support. This is not always readily available in all communities at present. In addition, employers should be made more aware of the benefits of employing someone with Down syndrome.

According to emedicine, Down Syndrome life expectancy in utero is only a few weeks / months.Three quarters of babies with Down Syndrome will die in utero – that is, before being born.Down Syndrome life expectancy for babies and infants, sees approximately 15% dieing before one year of age.Down Syndrome life expectancy for the next 35% will be death before 50 years of age.Down Syndrome life expectancy for the remaining 50% is more than 50 years of age.

With advances in medical technology available to reduce seizures, remove cataracts, and treat heart disease, those afflicted with Down syndrome are living longer than ever.