Down Syndrome Baby
Down syndrome refers to a genetic disorder, which results in mental retardation and physical defects. Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome number 21. Such a situation is known as trisomy 21.
Children suffering from Down syndrome, show various symptoms, such as flat facial features, small or unusually shaped ears, short fingers, upward slanting eyes and broad hands. However, none of these features cause any health problems as such. Yet, some birth defects due to Down syndrome may cause health problems. This may be due to poor muscle tone or heart problems, as well as problems in the stomach or eyes. Children with Down syndrome suffer from low normal to very retarded intelligence levels. This makes the learning and development process more and more difficult.
If the baby shows any physical traits or symptoms of Down syndrome, then in that case, the baby’s blood can be tested to check for the extra chromosome. In case if you wish to figure out whether your unborn baby is suffering from Down syndrome or not, then you may take the help of several tests, such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. These tests can be conducted before birth of the child, in order to find out if a baby has Down syndrome or not. As it is, tissue and fluids in the womb around the baby can be tested for finding traits of the extra chromosome.
In case, the tests confirm that your baby is actually suffering from Down syndrome, then in that case, you need to take care of your baby just like any other newborn baby. So, your baby will need to be cuddled, held, played with, dressed, fed and of course loved. Your baby may however, be suffering from some health problems and this would need some extra care from your side.
Babies suffering from Down syndrome may suffer from poor muscle tone, which may make it harder for them to roll over, to sit up and to walk. The baby would in such a case require external help in the form of physical therapy, which can help it cope up with these problems. Apart from that, the baby may also suffer from some heart defects as well. This can be revealed by way of an ultrasound exam of the heart of the baby. Such a problem may even call for surgery, in order to take care of the heart problems associated with Down syndrome.
Also, some babies suffering from Down syndrome may have problem in swallowing. They may even have blockages in their stomach or intestines. Here too, surgery is required in order to take care of these problems. Sometimes, the baby may also suffer from eye problems, such as cataracts, or squints. With the help of surgery and intraocular lenses, such problems can be dealt with as well.
Children who are suffering from Down syndrome are usually prone to ear infections, colds, and sinus infections. Apart from that, they are also more likely to have thyroid problems, hearing loss, seizures and problems in their bones and joints.
However, despite all these problems, one basic fact remains that children with Down syndrome show the same amount of emotions; they are joyous, when they are affectionately held and feel bad when scolded. As it is, despite suffering from such a disease, your child is still your bundle of joy.