What are the health problems that might affect a baby who has Down syndrome?
Down syndrome usually causes mild to moderate mental retardation, or slow mental growth. Language skills develop slowly in babies who have Down syndrome. About half of babies who have Down syndrome are also born with heart problems, some of which may require surgery. Some babies who have Down syndrome also have intestinal problems, thyroid disease, vision trouble or hearing loss. Many of these problems can be treated with medical attention and educational assistance as the baby gets older.
