Learning About Down Syndrome Detected During Pregnancy

Overview

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by having an extra chromosome. It affects childhood growth and development. Children who have this condition may share similar features and have certain health issues. As they grow, they often learn to talk later than other children. And they may have some intellectual disability.

When you find out that your child has Down syndrome, you might have a wide range of feelings. You might also have a lot of questions. Your doctor can help answer your questions and connect you with resources to help you learn more.

What can you expect?

There are a few options if Down syndrome is found during pregnancy. You may decide you want to continue the pregnancy and raise your child. You may decide to place the child for adoption. Or you may decide to end the pregnancy.

It may help to talk to people who have made each of these choices. Your doctor may be able to help you meet with families who are raising a child with Down syndrome, families who placed a child for adoption, or families who ended a pregnancy because of a Down syndrome diagnosis.

Whatever you decide, remember that every case is different. And only you can know what is best for you. There is no "right" or "wrong" choice. It is a personal choice, based on your own values and beliefs.

A Down syndrome diagnosis increases the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. But in most cases, your prenatal care won't change.