Causes
Down Syndrome is caused by a problem with a baby's chromosomes. The average Person has 46 chromosomes, babies with Down Syndrome have 47 chromosomes. In rare cases other chromosome problems and cause Down Syndrome. Having abnormal or extra chromosomes affects and changes the way the brain and body develop.
What are chromosomes? Chromosomes are thread like structures with in each cell and are made up of genes. Genes provide the information that determines everything about a person like hair color, gender, etc. The extra chromosome in someone with Down Syndrome is like extra genetic material which causes problems with the way that their brain and body develops.
There is no known cause for Down Syndrome. but there are things that can increase the chances of giving birth to the to a baby with Down Syndrome such as:
* You are older when pregnant (35 years and up)
* Brother or sister with Down Syndrome
* You previously had a baby with down syndrome
What are chromosomes? Chromosomes are thread like structures with in each cell and are made up of genes. Genes provide the information that determines everything about a person like hair color, gender, etc. The extra chromosome in someone with Down Syndrome is like extra genetic material which causes problems with the way that their brain and body develops.
There is no known cause for Down Syndrome. but there are things that can increase the chances of giving birth to the to a baby with Down Syndrome such as:
* You are older when pregnant (35 years and up)
* Brother or sister with Down Syndrome
* You previously had a baby with down syndrome