Image courtesy: Utah State University
The most beautiful thing about pregnancy is that you know what your child is going through even if you don’t see it yourself. It is a phase that is exciting, stressful, and overwhelmingly exhausting all at the same time. Prenatal tests, ultrasound scans, regular check-ups can be unnerving when all you want to do is to sit quietly and read a book. What you need the most is control over your emotions, and truckloads of patience. It is important to know that certain prenatal tests are conducted simply to eliminate a greater risk for mother and child. One of such commonly “feared” tests is the Down Syndrome test.
To explain it well, most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes in every body cell, while babies diagnosed with down syndrome have an extra pair of chromosome 21. Chromosomes contain your genetic construction and any problems with your chromosomes can cause moderate to severe physical and mental health problems in the baby. It is typically associated with physical growth delays and characteristically flattened facial features. It also relates to certain cognitive and behavioral developments such as slow learning and delayed speech and hearing development. Down syndrome can be identified during pregnancy by prenatal screening followed by diagnostic testing, or after birth by direct observation and genetic testing.
Now, for you as a mother this information is enough to send you into a tizzy and start worrying about the implications of such a diagnosis.
Here’s what you should do if the diagnosis is affirmative:
- Be emotionally stable. Don’t panic. This is a good time to remind yourself that to have a life growing inside of you is the single most rewarding of all gifts that life has to offer. It is therefore your primary responsibility to protect, and nurture that soul to whom you are the start and end of his tiny world.
- Don’t question your doctor; instead ask him questions about anything that is bothering you. As many as you wish. As many as it will take to calm you down. Trust your doctor.
- Nothing works better than the support of your spouse and family. Indulge in activities that will take your mind off of the case for a while. It’s good for you and the baby.
- Listen to advice given, but decide for yourself. No one knows your baby better than you.
- Remember that every child is unique; what one baby with Down Syndrome has, your baby might not, and vice versa. Co-relate; don’t compare.
- Prepare yourself mentally and physically. Learn from people going through a similar phase. Be positive.
- Join parenting groups of parents with special needs children. They can help ease the process for you and of course provide you the support they once needed.
Always remember:
Babies diagnosed with Down Syndrome often outgrow their behavioral symptoms, if they are provided with a caring and secure environment at all times. Because physical development is slow and because of the poor muscle tone, it may take them longer to reach developmental milestones but with ample opportunity to participate in physical exercise and activities, they eventually meet many of these milestones.
Emphasize on inclusive education and independent living, with intensive work on speech and motor skills in the critical early developmental stages. Encourage your child to ask questions and express his feelings. The more you listen, the more they understand.
Be there for your child. Your presence is more important than your presents. It’s the moments you spend with them that you will remember than the money you spent on them.
Don’t judge your child’s intellectual capabilities at the age of 2! Every child is different; they just un-wrap their packages at different times.
As for you, being a parent is the hardest things you’ll ever do, but in exchange it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.
