What are the health problems that might affect my baby?
Most babies with Down syndrome don’t have good muscle tone. This makes it harder for them to learn to roll over, to sit up and to walk. Physical therapy can help with these problems. There’s a chance that your baby may have some kind of heart defect–a little less than half of these babies have a heart problem. An ultrasound exam of your baby’s heart will show if there’s a problem. Surgery can fix the heart problems of Down syndrome. Some babies with Down syndrome have problems swallowing, or they may have blockages in their stomach or intestines (bowels). Surgery can fix these problems. Once they are fixed, they usually cause no further harm. Some babies have eye problems, like cataracts (cloudy lenses) or crossed eyes. Surgery can help these problems, too. Children with Down syndrome may have colds, ear infections and sinus infections more often than other children. They are more likely to have thyroid problems, hearing loss, seizures, and bone and joint problems. It’s also common fo
