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Getting a Down syndrome diagnosis for your baby can be sobering. You may discover this before your baby’s birth โ if you have genetic testing or a prenatal ultrasound done โ or you might not find out until your baby is born. Expect to go through a period of grief and denial over your baby’s condition, but take heart in the fact that children with Down syndrome are capable of much more, physically and intellectually, than was thought several decades ago.
When is down syndrome diagnosed?

Down syndrome can be diagnosed in utero. A screening test can be performed as early as 11 to 14 weeks. This is done with an ultrasound or a blood test. A multiple marker test can also be performed when you are 15 to 20 weeks pregnant. This is done with a blood sample.
If you donโt have these tests, Down syndrome may be diagnosed after your baby is born. Your care provider will conduct a physical exam after delivery to look for common physical characteristics of the condition. Some of the common facial features include a flattened face, almond-shaped eyes that slant up, a small mouth, and tiny white spots on the iris. A blood test will be done to confirm any physical observations.
In some cases, early detection is not easily done with a visual exam. This was the case for Paula Keaton who shared her story on the CDCโs website.
โAfter 36 REALLY long hours we delivered our son at home with the help of midwives. My main concern was that his feet were turned in, but my husband was concerned that he looked like he may have Down syndrome,” Keaton recalled. “The midwives along with a family physician who was a member of our church assured us that we didnโt have anything to be concerned about, because he had good muscle tone, a strong cry, and did not have the single crease across the palm of his hands, which most babies with Down syndrome do. They pointed out that he did not look like โa typical Down syndrome baby.โโ
Down syndrome baby: Physical development

Children with Down syndrome experience slower physical development than typical children, for several reasons. Most have hypotonia, or low muscle tone, along with lax ligaments that provide less support for physical activity. An overall lack of muscle tone, plus short legs, make it more difficult for Down syndrome baby to walk. The average age for walking is 24 months, compared to 13 months for typical children. Similarly, milestones such as sitting, crawling, grasping and fine motor skills such as putting a cube in a container are usually delayed as well. Children with Down syndrome have an abnormal gait, which early physical therapy can help correct.
Concurrent Conditions
Many children with Down syndrome also have other medical conditions. Approximately 50 percent of these children are born with a heart defect. As recently as the 1980s, concurrent medical conditions led to a life expectancy of around 25 years. Better medical care and a decrease in institutionalization of Down syndrome individuals has increased life expectancy to nearly 60 years old. This life expectancy continues to rise with better understanding of the comorbidities and better treatments. Childhood leukemia, diabetes, thyroid disease, vision and hearing problems and seizure disorders are all more common in Down syndrome children than the general population.
Mental Development
Intellectual ability varies among children with Down syndrome. According to a study led by Eur J. Hum Genet, the average IQ of children with Down syndrome is around 50. He found that the common range was between 30 and 70. An average IQ may be around 50, but scores of 120 have been found in some Down syndrome people who have been tested.
Family Living
Children with Down syndrome are often highly social, affectionate and engaging, which can make them a positive addition to your family. Siblings of children with Down syndrome often develop a higher level of maturity and better communication and social skills than their peers, the National Down Syndrome Society reports. That doesn’t mean you’ll find parenting a Down syndrome child easy all the time, though. Support groups that connect you with other parents facing similar issues can help smooth a sometimes bumpy road. Groups can also offer your child opportunities to participate in activities, such as Special Olympics, with other children on their own level.
Down syndrome: What to do if your baby gets this diagnosis

While you cannot undo the diagnosis, there are things that you can do to help your baby live a better life. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual child based on their degree of disability, interests, and resources.
Your child may have many care providers working with their primary care provider to help them develop skills and tools to live a higher functioning life. Those on the team may include a speech therapist, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and an educational therapist.
โChildren with Down syndrome often have difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviors. This can lead to problems such as meltdowns and tantrums.โ Virginia Blackwell, M.D. told Mom.com. She stresses that it is important for the family to learn and implement behavior management techniques ahead of time.
It has been seen over the years that those with the right level of support can lead happy, productive lives.