What are the risk to a mother that is carrying a baby with down syndrome? is there special care needed while pregnant and does it pose any risk for delivery
2006-09-26 08:32:17 · 11 answers · asked by iam_joann 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
please no abortion comments because that is not a option in my eyes just want to make sure that i can deliver this baby with no risks to him or me
2006-09-26 08:48:12 · update #1
CONGRATULATIONS!
As all the other posters have said, there is no labor/delivery risk any higher than any other pregnancy. But some babies with DS have heart issues that need to be addressed, so they'll probably examine your little one as soon as he/she is born.
You have been BLESSED! I have a 3 1/2 yo boy with DS, he is AMAZING. He literally touches all those who meet him and are willing to receive his beauty and charm.
2006-09-27 08:32:04 · answer #1 · answered by Mahira 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is some risk posed for baby as Down's babies are sometimes more susceptible to heart problems etc. But if you are a mom carrying a special needs baby, you can pretty much follow the same regime of a healthy lifestyle. Your baby is a baby and is a blessing Down's or not. You can get an amniocentisis to check for Down's. It carries its own risks though of causing miscarriage. Congrats on your little blessing.
2006-09-26 08:47:27 · answer #2 · answered by Love Birth 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your pregnancy should not have any other problems than any other pregnancy.
I had all the tests and ultrasound and didn't know until after birth about my sons diagnosis. He didn't (and still doesn't) have serious health issues. But, just in case, make sure you deliver somewhere that has a good NICU/ped's unit.
Kids with DS are fabulous. You are an amazing person for having such an open mind.
There are so many support forums out there you should look for. If it weren't for some of the people on here, I would list some sites for you, but I dont want our forums tampered with, but do some searching. There are probably great support/playgroups you can go to in your area if you look for them. One good place to start is www.ndss.org
Good Luck and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!
2006-09-26 09:13:28 · answer #3 · answered by T21mommy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello! I have a little 2 year old boy who has Down syndrome. I had a difficult pregnancy, but it had nothing to do with his Down syndrome. Basically, like any other pregnancy, you want to take the best possible care of yourself. Eat well, get rest, and use this time to get good information. It might be good to speak to your OB/GYN to see if they want to refer you to a "high-risk" OB. Some babies with Down syndrome have other accompanying physical problems. My son had to have heart surgery at 2 months old. It all sounds so scary (and it is) but you should know that a lot of us have been there and the surgery, although monumental to us, is fairly "routine" and very succesful, but you will want to make sure that your ultrasounds are monitored.
As for getting informed, please try to use references that are recent. So much has changed for our kids and the opportunities for development and education are so much better than they were even 10 years ago, so old information can be bad and just plain wrong.
I would love to invite you to go to www.downsyn.com They have a forum there with parents who have all been there, and even some like yourself who are waiting to greet their little angel. And I kid you not, we all believe that these children are the closest thing to an angel on earth!!
You will not believe how blessed you feel once you have this child. I am so proud of you for not terminating, because I don't think Down syndrome is a good reason for termination. Our children will attend school, have jobs, maybe get married, maybe drive...the sky is the limit. It may take extra work and a little more time, but your child will amaze you!!!
You will see the humor and the serious side on the forum I mentioned and they are a great source of support and a wealth of information.
Also, as soon as possible after the birth of your child, you will want to get him/her enrolled in an Early Intervention program and get therapy started. Physical Therapy to help with the almost inevitable low muscle tone and Speech or Occupational Therapy to help with any feeding issues the child may have. Federal Law mandates that your child must be given this benefit by the state and it should be at little or no cost to you. Be prepared to advocate and fight for as much as you can get...and you cannot start early enough!!
Contact your local chapter of the ARC or your state's Department of Developmental Disabilites to learn more about the resources available to you.
Most of all, relax, enjoy your pregnancy and prepare to be blessed with a little miracle!!
2006-09-26 10:36:30 · answer #4 · answered by Smom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't have any problems, and hopefully the Downs won't be accompanied by many health problems. I know kids with downs usually have other stuff going on medically speaking. Don't listen to the person who told you to terminate. Though I think there are some health reasons why some kids shouldn't necessarily be brought to term, downs syndrome doen't cause a lifetime of heartache and ruin! I know all kinds of happy, well adjusted people with downs who have jobs and families and hobbies - my friend's daughter just made blackbelt in karate! Your child will be special.
There's this great movie called "The Eighth Day" starring people with downs that's one of the best movies I've ever seen. You should watch it!
2006-09-26 08:53:26 · answer #5 · answered by Emily O 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe their are any risks if you are carrying a down syndrome child. I believe its a normal pregnancy, like any other. If you are having a Down Syndrome child then good luck and be happy that its nothing more serious like Trisomy 21.
2006-09-26 08:46:22 · answer #6 · answered by Ashley P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know I dont think there are any special things while you are pregnant, I wish you luck, I work for a group home with kids like that but worse very hard but they are very special and need as much or even more attention that others, I wish you luck.
2006-09-26 10:59:37 · answer #7 · answered by Lisha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sorry i don't have any answers for you i just wanted to say "good for you" it is a huge responsibility to raise a child but an even bigger one to take on one w/special needs. There is a place in heaven for you. Best of luck and enjoy your new baby
2006-09-26 09:29:17 · answer #8 · answered by Lori C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your little one has a chromosomal issue which will make this child (like all of us) who s/he is.
The pregnacy and delivery are the same as with any other child.
Take good care of yourself, rest up and let nature take it's course.
Congratulations and all the best to you and the little one!!
2006-09-26 08:55:23 · answer #9 · answered by seaelen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, doctors can test your amniotic fluid if you are at risk. Such as a family history or your over 35. I think there is another test where they snip part of the cervix, but i dont know too much on that.
2006-09-26 08:34:56 · answer #10 · answered by Mystie 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋