Children's Health

Understanding Down Syndrome -- Diagnosis and Treatment

How Can I Prevent Down Syndrome?

There is no way to prevent Down syndrome. However, scientists continue to learn more about the genetic basis of Down syndrome and hope that in the future it will be possible to improve, correct, or prevent many of the problems associated with the condition.

There are studies suggesting that some women who have had a child with Down syndrome abnormally process folic acid. If confirmed, this finding provides another reason why all women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should take a prenatal vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.