How does Down syndrome happen?

Down syndrome happens due to a genetic error during cell division, usually when the egg or sperm is forming. Instead of dividing evenly, chromosome 21 makes an extra copy. This results in three copies of chromosome 21 rather than two. The process is random, although the likelihood increases with maternal age.

While the chance increases as women get older, Down syndrome can happen in babies born to mothers of all ages.

To explore more about how Down syndrome is diagnosed and supported in Australia, contact us now