Down syndrome is a lifelong condition

Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Dr. Sevgi Sarı Demir stated that Down syndrome, which can be detected while the baby is still in the womb, is not temporary and is a lifelong condition. She emphasized that for this reason, special programs should be implemented for children with Down syndrome and their families, which can reduce the effects of the syndrome, ensure a more comfortable and productive process, and help integrate these individuals into society.

Noting that Down syndrome is defined as an individual having an extra chromosome and that, according to research, it occurs in one out of every 800-1000 births worldwide and in our country, Dr. Sevgi Sarı Demir stated that it should not be forgotten that Down syndrome is a genetic difference, not a disease that needs to be cured.

"IT CAN BE DETERMINED WHILE THE BABY IS IN THE WOMB"

Noting that Down syndrome is a significant condition that leads to mild or moderate intellectual disability in addition to the physical characteristics it brings, Dr. Demir said, "Today, with the help of tests performed during pregnancy, the rate of detecting Down syndrome can reach up to 99.8 percent."

MATERNAL AGE IS A FACTOR

Explaining that one of the most fundamental reasons for a baby being born with Down syndrome is the mother's age, Dr. Demir stated that the probability of a chromosomal error increases as the mother's age advances, adding, "Advanced maternal age at birth increases the individual risk for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. However, the majority of mothers giving birth in society are at a young age. Therefore, although Down syndrome is more likely to be seen in babies of older mothers, it is also encountered in young mothers. In fact, since young women have more babies, approximately 80 percent of babies with Down syndrome are children of young mothers."

"IF THERE IS A RISK, ADVANCED TESTS SHOULD BE PERFORMED"

Dr. Demir said, "In the past, Down syndrome could only be understood when the baby was born. However, today, Down syndrome can be screened between the 11th and 14th weeks with ultrasonography and blood tests. If a risky situation is seen in the initial screenings, advanced tests are recommended. If the doctor encounters physical signs of the condition during ultrasonographic examinations or if an increased risk is detected according to screening tests such as double, triple, or quadruple tests, more advanced tests come to the agenda. In this case, tests such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling are the only way to detect Down syndrome with 100 percent accuracy. The risk of miscarriage in these tests is only between 2 and 5 per thousand." She reminds that there are tests and examinations recommended for all expectant mothers, as well as those in the risk group.

Dr. Demir stated that Down syndrome is a lifelong condition and said the following:

"This process should be made more comfortable and productive through training provided to families and children with Down syndrome by experienced experts in the field. Speech therapy, vocational training, and physical therapy applications can be carried out so that individuals with Down syndrome can reveal and develop their potential. In addition to this, activities that will improve their motor skills, sensory and descriptive abilities, along with social skills, will ensure that the individual is prepared for life."