Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes mental
retardation and physical defects. It is caused by the presence
of an extra copy of chromosome number 21. This condition is
called trisomy 21. Some of the most common physical signs of
Down syndrome are upward slanting eyes, flattened facial
features, ears that are small or unusually shaped, broad hands
with short fingers and curved "pinky" fingers, and a small head.
None of these physical differences cause health problems. Some
birth defects associated with Down syndrome cause more serious
health problems. Babies who have Down syndrome often have poor
muscle tone or problems with their heart, stomach or eyes.
Intelligence ranges from low normal to very retarded (slow to
learn), which can make learning and development more difficult.
If you have already had a baby who has Down syndrome, you are
more likely to have another one. For every 100 couples who have
another baby, 1 will have another who has Down syndrome. If you
have been diagnosed with a chromosom