Down Syndrome is one of the most common genetic conditions in the U.S. and one in every 691 babies is born each day with the genetic condition. Back in 2002, Hispanics had the highest percentages of babies born with Down Syndrome at 12.3% and those numbers haven’t gone down in the last 10 years.
LIKE DailyVitamina.com on Facebook! Get Your Daily Vitamin…FOR LIFE!
Down syndrome is a congenital disorder that arises from a chromosome effect, resulting in intellectual impairment and physical abnormalities, such as broad facial profile, short stature, low muscle tone, stocky limbs, small ears and/or slanted eyes. Some could develop other health problems, like heart defects, eye conditions, depression, hypothyroidism, celiac disease, respiratory infections or ADHD. 
Currently, there are about 6,000 infants born with Down syndrome each year. One of the biggest reasons these numbers are going up is because the number of mothers having babies later in life. The prevalence of Down syndrome increases as the mother’s age increases. According to the National Down Syndrome Society, approximately 1 in 350, women 35 and older conceive a child with Down syndrome, 1 in 100 for women that are 40 and 1 in 30 for women 45 and older.
Women have the option of getting tested before the child is born. There are blood tests that can detect fetal genetic abnormalities, including Down syndrome. If a child has an extra copy of chromosome 21, the child will have cognitive impairment and the risk for other abnormalities.
Many parents undergo testing to determine whether or not their baby will have the disorder and also to prepare to make the decision of having to raise a child with special needs or to terminate the pregnancy. The number of babies born to Hispanic women is increasing because they are the least likely to terminate a fetus affected with Down syndrome.
Another reason that women are not terminating their pregnancies is because families have more educational, social and financial support, than they did in the past. Experts say that even though there are tests available, they have little impact because it’s a personal decision and many desire to be parents, despite their child’s limitations.
NEXT: Pregnancy Risks After 35