Patient's question:
I had a prenatal screening test for Down syndrome in the second trimester of my pregnancy at the hospital. The doctor mentioned that the fetus had some signs of Down syndrome, but my husband and I, as well as our family members, are very healthy and should not have this condition. What are the causes of Down syndrome in the fetus?Doctor's answer:
Down syndrome is generally caused by chromosomal abnormalities, specifically having an extra copy of chromosome 21 (instead of the usual two). This usually occurs during the formation of a fertilized egg when cell division is incomplete. This condition often leads to early miscarriage in the womb, with those who survive showing significant intellectual disability or physical deformities.The causes of Down syndrome are generally associated with factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, advanced maternal age, emotional stress, radiation exposure, and irregular lifestyle or excessive fatigue. Children with Down syndrome typically exhibit noticeable intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, a larger head, an oversized tongue that protrudes outward, wide-set eyes, and thick lips.