1. I have just had a baby with Down's syndrome. Will my child be healthy?

Some medical problems are more common in people with Down's syndrome. However, none of these problems are unique to Down's syndrome, and some children with Down's syndrome are as fit and healthy as any other children. Because we are aware of common medical problems in people with Down's syndrome, screening programmes can be set up so that any problems are picked up and treated as soon as possible.

Some of the common problems which children with Down's syndrome have include:

• 40 - 50 of babies with Down's syndrome are born with heart problems, half of which require surgery.
• A significant number of people with Down's syndrome have hearing or sight impairment
• Thyroid disorder
• Poor immune system
• Respiratory problems, coughs and colds
• Obstructed gastrointestinal tract.

Information on some of these conditions can be found on the website in the medical series booklets. With advances and increased access to medical care, people with Down's syndrome are living much longer. Life expectancy for people with Down's syndrome is now at around 60 - 65 years.