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Steep rise in Down's pregnancies Steep rise in Down's pregnancies
(20 minutes later)
The number of Down's syndrome pregnancies has risen by more than 70% over the last 20 years, university researchers say.The number of Down's syndrome pregnancies has risen by more than 70% over the last 20 years, university researchers say.
The sharp rise reflects the growing number of older women becoming pregnant, when there is a higher risk.The sharp rise reflects the growing number of older women becoming pregnant, when there is a higher risk.
The subsequent abortion rate of more than 90% and more antenatal diagnoses means slightly fewer children are being born with the condition.The subsequent abortion rate of more than 90% and more antenatal diagnoses means slightly fewer children are being born with the condition.
The University of London study covered England and Wales.The University of London study covered England and Wales.
Despite higher numbers of Down's pregnancies since the late 1980s, the number of Down's syndrome children has fallen by 1%, from 752 to 743.Despite higher numbers of Down's pregnancies since the late 1980s, the number of Down's syndrome children has fallen by 1%, from 752 to 743.
Improved antenatal screening means more Down's pregnancies are being spotted. Without the improvements in antenatal screening, the number of babies born with Down's would have risen by 48%, according to the study.Improved antenatal screening means more Down's pregnancies are being spotted. Without the improvements in antenatal screening, the number of babies born with Down's would have risen by 48%, according to the study.
Down's syndrome A genetic disorder named after the British physician John Langdon Down, who first identified it in 1866.Inhibits the ability to learn and develop mentally.About 60,000 people have Down's syndrome in the UK.Down's syndrome A genetic disorder named after the British physician John Langdon Down, who first identified it in 1866.Inhibits the ability to learn and develop mentally.About 60,000 people have Down's syndrome in the UK.
The proportion of couples diagnosed with a Down's syndrome baby who decided to terminate has remained constant at 92%, say the researchers at Queen Mary.The proportion of couples diagnosed with a Down's syndrome baby who decided to terminate has remained constant at 92%, say the researchers at Queen Mary.
The risk of having a baby with Down's syndrome is one in 940 for a woman aged 30. But by age 40, the risk rises to one in 85.The risk of having a baby with Down's syndrome is one in 940 for a woman aged 30. But by age 40, the risk rises to one in 85.
Professor of medical statistics at Queen Mary, Joan Morris, led the research.Professor of medical statistics at Queen Mary, Joan Morris, led the research.
She said: "What we're seeing here is a steep rise in pregnancies with Down's syndrome but that is being offset by improvements in screening.She said: "What we're seeing here is a steep rise in pregnancies with Down's syndrome but that is being offset by improvements in screening.
"It was thought that these improvements would lead to a decrease in the number of births with Down's syndrome. However due to increases in maternal age this has not occurred."It was thought that these improvements would lead to a decrease in the number of births with Down's syndrome. However due to increases in maternal age this has not occurred.
Professor Morris said the Down's screening test had become more widely available over the last 20 years.Professor Morris said the Down's screening test had become more widely available over the last 20 years.
The report was published in the British Medical Journal.The report was published in the British Medical Journal.
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