Is the age of a woman a significant factor when it comes to conceiving a baby with Down Syndrome? Studies show that while age should be considered, there is more to this than what meets the eye.
Also known as Trisomy 21, Down Syndrome is a disorder in the genes that results from having three copies of the chromosomes instead of just two. Since it is a genetic disorder, it's either you have it or you don't.
"I didn't even get genetic testing done when I was able to because I didn't consider myself at risk," 21-year old Mekel Akins Bergschneider told Romper in an interview after being told by their doctor that they were most likely having a child with Down Syndrome based on the baby's anatomy scan.
There is a common misconception about the relationship between the age of the mother and the chances of having a child with Down Syndrome. This could have resulted from the fact that most Down Syndrome children are born to women who are under 35 years old. But that's basically because they have higher fertility rates compared to women of other ages.
Despite the available medical information on Down Syndrome, most people still tend to believe the many misconceptions about the disorder. Down Syndrome International debunked the myth that only older mothers conceive babies with the Down Syndrome because while they have a higher chance, more Down Syndrome babies are born to younger women.
To counter the doubts and fears, it is best to get early diagnosis. Doctors highly recommend prenatal screening for all women who gets pregnant whether or not they carry the risk factor. It can be an additional cost but not when insurance covers the testing. WebMD said a screening test, which is done through a blood test or an ultrasound, will help determine the Down Syndrome. If such tests yield abnormal results then an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling can also be taken.
The National Down Syndrome Society warned that this disorder does not choose race nor economic status. Unless it is diagnosed earlier, parents would be able to identify if their child has Down Syndrome through several physical characteristics common among those inflicted with the disorder.
