Q: what medical checks and tests should be carried out on DS babies and children?
A:
Prenatal -
if you have been given a high chance of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality such as DS, you will most likely be sent to a specialist who will do an ultrasound in 4D to check for 'markers'. Ultrasound markers are slight deviations from the normal anatomy seen on an ultrasound, which may or may not indicate a problem.
Newborn:
Hearing test when baby less than a week old because it's much easier to test a sleeping baby and you should get a baseline hearing level from as early as possible to know if hearing is declining
Echocardiogram and heart scan by pediatric cardiologist must be done before baby is 6 months old
Blood test for thyroid functioning and to confirm Down syndrome.
Annual check ups:
Physical examination to monitor growth and any health problems.
Thyroid blood test allows early detection of low levels of thyroid hormone.
Vision test from 9/12 months onward
Hearing test
Dental check from 2 years onwards
Immunizations are also important as babies and children with DS are more susceptible to infections and have immune systems that aren't as effective combatting illnesses.
