Medical expert of the article
New publications
Why are children born down?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Down syndrome, according to doctors - a pure genetic coincidence. Why are children with Down syndrome born? What characterizes this deviation and is it possible to detect it in early pregnancy?
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is also called trisomy involving the 21st chromosome. This is one of the forms of gene pathology, when in the genetic material there is one extra chromosome instead of the set 46. In general, chromosomes are paired, but in place of the 21st pair instead of two chromosomes it turns out to be three.
Down syndrome in 1866 was first discovered and described by an English doctor, John Down, so pathology was named after him. Much later, in 1959, the French geneticist Jerome Lejeune continued his work, discovering that this syndrome and the innate number of chromosomes in a child are closely related. The word "syndrome" means a set of certain traits and signs.
Since the extra chromosome for a person is uncharacteristic, it provokes a certain lag in development: slowing down the physical and, most importantly, mental development of the child.
How often are children born with Down syndrome?
According to medical records, the age of the mother can affect the likelihood of being born with Down syndrome. The probability of having a child with this pathology is the higher, the older the mother. According to statistics, the probability of having a child with Down syndrome among mothers aged 20-24 is 1: 1562. At the age of 35-39, this indicator reaches 1: 214, and if the mother is over 45, the probability of having a baby with Down syndrome reaches 1 :nineteen.
According to medical reports, the risk of having a child with Down syndrome is highest if the mother is not yet 35 years old. But this is not due to genetic pathologies, doctors say, but due to the fact that at this age women give birth most often. As for men, their risk of having a child with Down syndrome rises after 42 years. This is due to the quality of sperm, which is significantly reduced.
On Earth, every child out of 700 is born with Down syndrome every year, according to WHO. Both girls and boys can be born with this pathology with the same probability. And parents can be absolutely healthy - both mom and dad.
[What do parents do when they learn that they will have a child with Down syndrome?
Most often, mothers interrupt pregnancy. According to a 2002 survey, up to 93% of pregnancies were interrupted in Europe due to the discovery of Down syndrome in unborn children. There is still evidence that suggests that in 7 years of research it was discovered that at least 92% of women terminated the pregnancy after they learned that they were carrying a child with Down syndrome.
According to statistics, more than 2.5 thousand children with this syndrome are born in Russia annually. More than 84% of parents leave these children in the maternity hospital, refusing them. In most cases, the medical staff not only supports them, but also gives positive recommendations.
Why are there children with Down syndrome?
According to modern studies of Down syndrome, conducted just a couple of years ago, it was proved that this pathology can be caused not only by the presence of an extra chromosome during the formation of the embryo, but also by all sorts of accidents during pregnancy. The extra chromosome can also appear due to the abnormal formation and development of germ cells.
Neither the behavior nor the way of life of mother and father affect the development of this pathology. Do not affect the formation of the embryo with Down syndrome and the circumstances of the world: weather, environmental factors, temperature.
Early diagnosis of a fetus with Down syndrome
Early diagnosis of children with Down syndrome, not yet born, is possible and available to every family. It can be carried out in early pregnancy. The main diagnostic methods are the chorion biochemical screening method and the ultrasound method. The embryo shell, on which there are chorionic villi sensitive to different vibrations, is also material for research. Doctors take a sample of the placenta or amniotic fluid with a large fine needle and make an analysis. The analysis of amniotic fluid is called amniocentesis.
These diagnostic methods are considered quite risky. With these diagnostic methods there is a high risk of miscarriage or damage to the placenta.
Birth of a child with Down syndrome
When a child is born, Down syndrome can be identified in a newborn by its characteristic features. The weight of such a child is less than usual, the eyes are narrow, the bridge of the nose is too flat, the mouth is always ajar. But in order to make sure that the child was born with Down syndrome, it is necessary to conduct additional tests for chromosomes.
A child with Down syndrome has a number of comorbidities, such as heart disease, poor eyesight, and hearing and speech impairment. The opinion that children with Down syndrome have mental disabilities is not entirely true. These children can talk, write, draw, repair instruments, read, play various musical instruments. For such children, communication is important, but not separate, but in a children's team.
It is very difficult for children with Down syndrome to fully communicate, but it is not worth separating them from people. They find it difficult to do analytical work, but these children may have abilities that ordinary children do not have. They may have a phenomenal memory, in particular, a visual one. They can memorize large amounts of information, both musical and textual.
Why are children born down? Nature plans some of these children who live among us and are often distinguished by extraordinary abilities. Nothing happens by chance. And the point here is not only in the possible presence of an extra chromosome, but also in the pricelessness of human life, which fulfills its purpose in this world.