How do you know if your newborn has Down syndrome?

Answer 1

a test is usually done in pregnancy which identifies the condition. people with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome. people with down syndrome usually have impaired cognitive ability and typical facial characteristics such as an oversized tongue and are usually small in stature

Answer 2

Well, first, if your already pregnant, you can get a test and they will be able to tell you if you have a child with Down Syndrome or not. But, if you just gave birth to the baby, the doctors would do some tests on the baby that could take several tests, but, you could tell just by looking at your child because people with Down Syndrome have a deformed face. But, their are several other disabilities that involve chromosomes that deform the face, so that's why the doctors do the testing to make sure.

Answer 3

you can tell because of their face and actions. their face might have slight differences that a normal face would. for example the eyes would be closer together and their face would be very flat. their posture would also tell.

Answer 4

An ultrasound cannot determine whether a foetus has Down syndrome, but it can be used to measure some indicators of an increased chance of Down syndrome. Some of these indicators are more reliable than others, (such as measuring a collection of fluid at the neck of the foetus, called nuchal transluceny), but this requires the ultrasound technician to be trained and certified in this specific measure.

There are other screening methods that test the mother's blood for other indicators, but these also measure only the risk, and are not a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

The only way to diagnose Down syndrome is through chromosomal tests, whcih require cells from the foetus. Two methods for this testing are:

* Amniocentesis: the testing of foetal cells in a sample of the amniotic fluid around the foetus, which is usually done between the 14th and 18th week of pregnancy. * CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling): sampling of cells from the placenta, which is usually done between the 10th and 12th week of pregnancy. These tests are not 100% accurate and are invasive in order to collect cells, and have risks associated with them, so the decision on their use should be discussed with the doctor.

Answer 5

Although specifics may vary from child to child, children with down syndrome commonly exhibit certain signs such as unusual shapes in parts of the body.

Ultimately, though, because the disease is genetic, the decisive test is a blood test. A child with Down Syndrome will have 47 chromosomes instead of the normal 46.

Answer 6

Thy draw a vial of the babys blood and send it to a lab which does a test called a karyotype. If there are 3 copies of the 21st chromosome, they have Down syndrome. If there are only 2, they do not.

A doctor knows to order that test due to physical features of the baby, namely a small stature, missing nasal bone, a fold called an epicanthal fold above the eyes and a sandal gap toe, where there is an extra bit of space between the big toe and the next one.

Answer 7

The doctor would definitely tell you, but your baby would look different.

Answer 8

Your ultrasound dr will know. They measure the size of the fetus nick and other things too.