![\"Down](\"https:\/\/www.flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/down-syndrome-awareness-1178959725.jpg\")
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October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Flushing Hospital Medical Center is spreading awareness by sharing important facts about the disorder with our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Down syndrome, also called Trisomy 21, is the most common chromosomal condition in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in every 700 babies in the U.S. is born with Down syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Typically, at the time of conception, a fetus receives\ngenetic information from both parents in the form of 46 chromosomes. Down syndrome occurs when the fetus receives\nan extra copy of a chromosome; resulting in 47 chromosomes. This extra chromosome affects the way a baby\ndevelops physically and mentally. Some of the physical features and developmental\nproblems associated with Down syndrome include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every baby born with Down syndrome is different. Each child will have physical or intellectual\ndisabilities that are unique to their condition. Parents of babies born with Down syndrome are\nadvised to enroll their children into early- intervention services such as\nspeech therapy or occupational therapy as soon as possible. These services can help to encourage or\naccelerate the child\u2019s development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most commonly known risk factor linked to Down syndrome\nis a mother\u2019s age. Women over the age of\n35 have a significantly higher risk of having a child with this condition. Those with an increased risk are encouraged to\nconsult a genetic counselor to discuss screening options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To speak with a doctor a Flushing Hospital about your risk of having a baby with Down syndrome, please call 718-670-5486<\/a> <\/p>\n All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Flushing Hospital Medical Center is spreading awareness by sharing important facts about the disorder with our community. Down syndrome, also called Trisomy 21, is the most common chromosomal condition in the United States. … Continue reading