Detecting Down Syndrome
In recent years, detecting Down Syndrome has become easier with technology strides. Research and testing has come a long way since the chromosome responsible for Down Syndrome was detected in the 1950s. Though, doctors know the genetic nature of the Down Syndrome there is still no known cause for the genetic defect.
Down Syndrome is detectable in the early stages of pregnancy. By doing a test of the amniotic fluid in the womb, doctors can test the cells to see if the Trisomy 21 chromosome, the chromosome responsible for Downs Syndrome, is present. This test is done without any harm to the fetus.
Who Is at Risk
Down Syndrome births are more likely to occur in women who are past the age of thirty-five when conceiving. A woman with Down Syndrome has a fifty per cent chance of having a child with Down Syndrome. Men with Down Syndrome are typically sterile. There has been only one known case of a male with Down Syndrome participating in conception of a child.
Outside of these statistics there is no way to pinpoint who is more susceptible to Down Syndrome. Ethical issues have come about as to whether or not a fetus should be aborted when detecting Down Syndrome in the early stages of pregnancy. In effect, it becomes the parents duty to acquire as much information as is available about Down Syndromes treatments and the ensuing lifestyle of raising a child with the disorder.
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