WPSU’s Health Minute is a collaboration with Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing.
Down Syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 700 babies born each year have an extra chromosome. Trisomy 21 is another term for Down Syndrome, as 95% of children diagnosed with Down Syndrome have the extra 21st chromosome.
Prenatal testing can determine if your baby has Down Syndrome before birth. Women over 35 have a higher chance of having a child with Down Syndrome.
If your child is born with Down Syndrome, there are many resources available. Those include early intervention for developmental delays and support groups. Visit the National Association for Down Syndrome for more information.
