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How To Determine If Infant Has Down Syndrome?
Question: When I was pregnant w my daughter I was high risk for Down syndrome I then took the harmony test which gave me a normal reading. I was told an amnio was not needed or suggested and no further tests where suggested. I have since had the baby and no one has said she has downs. My pediatrician said she has no characteristics of it. My daughter is now 4 months old. She sticks her tongue out a lot and does this weird sucking thing w her lips. Should I be concerned .... Does this indicate some kind of chromisome abnormality.
Brief Answer:
There are many normal and abnormal causes for a baby sticking out tongue
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in details.
Many parents initially feel that their children might have Downs when the find the child sticking the tongue out. If you have been monitored throughout your pregnancy and taken tests like harmony and your baby has been completely examined by the pediatrician then there is no need to worry for Downs syndrome.
Sticking out of the tongue can be seen in infants due to the following reasons
(i) Simple normal behavior as a persistent newborn reflex which usually disappears after 6 months of age
(ii) The mouth opening is smaller (normal lower limits as well as high arched palate and small lower jaw)
(iii) The tongue is slightly bulky (normal upper limits as well as abnormal causes like congenital hypothyroidism and metabolic causes to name a few)
(iv) Mouth breathing activity which can be due to some nasal congestion or nasopharyngeal airway narrowing
(v) Any small cysts in the floor of mouth or neck
I am hopeful that your pediatrician has not missed any of the abnormal conditions and the above information is for your knowledge and understanding.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
There are many normal and abnormal causes for a baby sticking out tongue
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in details.
Many parents initially feel that their children might have Downs when the find the child sticking the tongue out. If you have been monitored throughout your pregnancy and taken tests like harmony and your baby has been completely examined by the pediatrician then there is no need to worry for Downs syndrome.
Sticking out of the tongue can be seen in infants due to the following reasons
(i) Simple normal behavior as a persistent newborn reflex which usually disappears after 6 months of age
(ii) The mouth opening is smaller (normal lower limits as well as high arched palate and small lower jaw)
(iii) The tongue is slightly bulky (normal upper limits as well as abnormal causes like congenital hypothyroidism and metabolic causes to name a few)
(iv) Mouth breathing activity which can be due to some nasal congestion or nasopharyngeal airway narrowing
(v) Any small cysts in the floor of mouth or neck
I am hopeful that your pediatrician has not missed any of the abnormal conditions and the above information is for your knowledge and understanding.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For detailed guidance on genetic screening consult a genetics specialist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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