Expecting a baby with Down syndrome

If you have been told pre-natally after a diagnostic test that your baby has Down syndrome, firstly CONGRATULATIONS....We understand that there is a lot to take in so we would encourage you to spend some time looking through our website and the links below.

If, however, you have been told after a screening test that you have an increased chance of having a baby with Down syndrome and you are conisdering having diagnostic testing, you may like to read more about Pre-natal screening and testing or genetic counselling. If you have questions please call and speak to our Family Support Manager (also a parent of a child with Down syndrome), your call will be treated confidentially and you will be given honest, non-directive advice.

Remember that Down syndrome is just a small part of who your baby is and will be. No one can predict how much your child will be able to achieve.

The links below offer up-to-date, accurate information about Down syndrome, and about the experiences of living with a son, daughter or sibling with Down syndrome.

A Pregnant mother's guide to Down Syndrome - DownSyndromePregnancy.org is a non-profit organization that offers support to expectant parents who have received a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis and are moving forward with their pregnancy. The material is not appropriate for women who are still weighing options about their pregnancy because it infers that a woman will be continuing a pregnancy to delivery and beyond website.

Continuing Pregnancy with a Diagnosis of Down's Syndrome: a guide for parents - published by the DSA UK, 2006. A booklet for those who have had a pre-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome and are continuing pregnancy. With personal stories from parents as well as information about the condition.

Light at the End of the Tunnel - a booklet written for parents with a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, can be downloaded from the NDS website. 

New & Expectant Parent Video - an excellent video made for new and expectant parents by the DSA Greater Cincinnati.

Brighter Tomorrows – This website is not designed to give you the answer, but to give you information about Down syndrome, to allow you to explore frequently asked questions prospective parents often have, and to give you a glimpse into the lives of children and young adults with Down syndrome. 

Understanding Down syndrome a brief introduction that might be useful to pass on to family and friends. 

The Long Road Home - a parent guide to the genetics of Down syndrome.

Down syndrome: An overview - a video by Raising Children's Network - In this short video, parents of children with Down syndrome talk about getting the diagnosis during pregnancy. They say they talked with their families about how this child would fit into their lives, and about deciding to go on with the pregnancy. Also, child health specialists explain what Down syndrome is and how they test for it.

For further information and support, please feel free to contact the Family Support Manager at Down Syndrome Victoria on 1300 658 873.