Latest news with #Downsyndrome
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Mom Gives Birth to Baby at 33 Weeks, Then Gets Diagnosis
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A mom from the North of England, U.K., received a shocking diagnosis after giving birth prematurely. Lauren Thomson (@laurenlou9x) shared a clip on TikTok and revealed that her baby boy was born at 33 weeks. Days later, she learned that her son has trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome. Split view of premature baby boy and mom Lauren Thomson, 30, wearing brown leather-look jacket. Split view of premature baby boy and mom Lauren Thomson, 30, wearing brown leather-look jacket. @laurenlou9x The mom of four told Newsweek that her pregnancy came as a surprise itself. "I didn't find out I was pregnant until 16 weeks," she said. "I had no symptoms or signs of pregnancy. I had no idea that I was going to have him early and no scans showed anything different to my other children." Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome, is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. It can result in developmental delays, characteristic facial features and an increased risk of certain health conditions. However, the severity and symptoms vary widely between individuals. Thomson's son was immediately admitted to the neonatal unit after he was born. "He has been looked after on 24-hour care," Thomson told Newsweek, adding that hospital staff have been amazing. "They check his obs regularly and feed him like their own," she said. But it wasn't until four days after delivery that doctors raised concerns. Nurses had noticed several physical markers often associated with Down syndrome, such as low muscle tone, a folded ear and almond-shaped eyes. "That's when they discussed... testing him, which I agreed to after they explained the reasons," Thomson said. "I was very confused and shocked when they told me about it all; I didn't really know what to say or think." Thomson wrote on the text overlay of her clip that she "knows very little" about trisomy 21. "It was the strangest situation I've ever been in," she told Newsweek. "I just agreed with them about testing him and then went home and did some research about what had been said." Thomson's clip has been viewed more than 650,000 times and received almost 20,000 likes. Hundreds have commented with overwhelming support and many others shared their own experiences with Down syndrome. "My son was born in 2017 with trisomy 21 and I can promise you that he will teach you to see the world in completely new colors," one user wrote. "Congratulations. My 6yo little girl surprised us with an extra chromosome too, she's the best thing that's ever happened to me. I found it helpful to reach out to other parents and we were welcomed into the DS [Down syndrome] community with open arms," another said.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Motherhood at a later age
More women today are choosing to become mothers in their late 30s and 40s, driven by evolving social norms, shifting career priorities, and improved access to fertility and reproductive healthcare. While late pregnancy does come with different risks and challenges compared to conceiving at a younger age, it is no longer considered a medical rarity. With the right awareness, preparation, and support, women can experience healthy pregnancies and fulfilling motherhood—regardless of the number on their birth certificate. 'Today, motherhood is less about age and more about readiness—physical, emotional, and situational,' says Dr. Charulata Bansal, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Cocoon Hospital, Jaipur. 'Thanks to advances in fertility care and prenatal monitoring, women in their late 30s or 40s can plan pregnancies more confidently and safely than ever before.' In today's world, delaying parenthood is often an empowered and intentional decision. Women may choose to postpone motherhood for various personal reasons—whether to pursue a fulfilling career, wait for the right partner, or simply because they don't yet feel ready. For many, reaching a place of emotional and lifestyle stability allows them to approach parenthood with a stronger sense of self. Advancements in reproductive medicine, such as IVF and egg freezing, have expanded options and provided reassurance that motherhood can still be possible later in life. While delayed pregnancy does come with unique physiological and emotional considerations, it also calls for thoughtful lifestyle adjustments and a personalised medical approach to ensure a healthy and supported experience. Risk-Balancing with Control The primary worry in late pregnancy is decline in fertility because the number and quality of eggs steadily decline after the age of 35, with older mothers presenting with relatively increased risk of chromosomal or genetic defects like Down syndrome, hence the general recommendation for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Fortunately, due to advanced technology, the detection and diagnosis of many gestational issues of concern, allows couples to make informed decisions even before attempting pregnancy. Women older than 35 are actually more likely to have health complications in pregnancy - i.e. high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and potentially serious complications like placenta previa or preeclampsia. Previous or existing health concerns such as thyroid imbalances or autoimmune disorders require even more monitoring and care. While these risks can seem daunting, they can often be mitigated or lessened, via early intervention, more aware habits, and routine appointments with care providers. Ideally, planning for pregnancy later in life should happen before conception. You can have a preconception health assessment before conception to identify some areas of preconception health. When you can assess parameters like thyroid levels, blood pressure, and your weight, you can make lifestyle changes, if needed, days, weeks, or months ahead of time. Being aware of this information beforehand can set the stage for your pregnancy early on. After you have confirmed your pregnancy you will usually be referred for ultrasounds, blood sugars, and blood pressure monitoring, throughout pregnancy, but especially as you approach your third trimester. Clinical protocols are one part of the picture, maternal mental and emotional health is important too. The Importance of Support Systems During Late Pregnancy Women who find themselves pregnant at a later age, generally find support from those around them extremely beneficial. That support could be people, friends, family, or understanding workplaces that are sensitive to the emotional & physical challenges that can come with the highs and lows of pregnancy. The people in your community can help you with doctor appointments and other related tasks, offer assistance in places you may need it, and, most importantly, allow you to ease some of the your burden arising from a lone sense of being pregnant. Supportive communities of peer support groups, classes, or courses can allow reassurance, provide a safe place to discuss your experience, and allow for shared experience, especially for women who feel isolated from pregnant peers or because they are simply older than most of their pregnant peers. Women living in urban places have had access to an array of maternity coaching, doula support, or even online communities for meaningful support, education, and empowerment, even in later-life pregnancies. Developing Lifestyle & Well-Being Nutrition and movement are still important parts of healthy late-pregnancy. A healthy diet containing iron, calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D, can help in healthy weight gain for the mother, thereby establishing mother and fetus's well-being. Moderate activities such as walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming help to regulate normal stress hormones and potentially prevent gestational diabetes, etc. Sleep hygiene, moderate caffeine intake, and avoidance of alcohol and tobacco consumption in late-pregnancy should be taken just as seriously. A pregnancy after 35 comes with more checklists that may seem daunting, but it also presents more emotional maturity, greater financial stability, and clearer purpose. The most important thing is to welcome late-stage pregnancy with awareness, rather than anxiety - late pregnancy can be just as rewarding, at times more empowering experience as other stages of a woman's life with appropriate expert care, informed decision-making, and lifestyle to prioritise well-being.
Irish Independent
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Kate Moss's model daughter Lila helps launch ‘diabetic' Barbie doll
©Press Association Kate Moss's daughter Lila has launched the first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes as part of a drive to increase representation by the toy's manufacturers Mattel. The 22-year-old, who is also a model and has diabetes, was also presented with a one-off Barbie doll of herself during the launch, which comes after the release of deaf, blind and Down syndrome versions of the toy. Register for free to read this story Register and create a profile to get access to our free stories. You'll also unlock more free stories each week.
India.com
06-07-2025
- Health
- India.com
Fertility At 40: How Older Parents Are Redefining Parenthood
Parenthood at 40 years old is a new trend that is fast emerging owing to changing lifestyles, career aspirations, and the latest developments in the field of medicine. Older parents are emotionally more mature, stable, and satisfied with life to raise children. Dr. Nishi Singh, Head of Fertility, Prime IVF shares how older parents are redefining parenthood. Though with advancing age, the problems in fertility do escalate, however, options like IVF, egg freezing, and holistic therapy have opened the way for older parents. It is not delayed parenthood but a modification of new parenthood. Experience, self-confidence, and support groups are making 40+ parents break the myths and prove that it is love, and not age, that is the best time to be a parent. Why Do Individuals Delay Delivery? Individuals delay childbearing because of personal, career, and social reasons, as most individuals are engaged in achieving higher levels of education, career progression, or occupational or personal growth during their younger years. There is also an urgency to gain a flawless partner and a good, stable relationship prior to starting a family. Reproductive technology enabled individuals to delay parenthood, freeing them from the burden of being early parents. With increased life span and health standards, individuals can conveniently become parents at the age of 40, the decision now an informed, conscious one and not a social presumption. Fertility at 40 Fertility, naturally, would decrease with age since women are born with a limited number of oocytes, and at the age of 40 and beyond, both their number and quality decrease significantly. This will reduce the chances of spontaneous conception, cause more miscarriages, and expose them to increased risks of chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). Even in males, fertility declines this fast, though age influences the motility, integrity, and quality of sperm. Reproductive technologies such as IVF, ICSI, and freezing of eggs or embryos are giving hope to the lives of couples. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) allow for the identification of defects so parents can decide. The Medical Advantages and Disadvantages of Delayed Pregnancy More than 40 years of pregnancy is clinically "advanced maternal age." Placenta previa is one of the gestational hypertension, cesarean section, and abnormal placental functions. But all complications are preventable now with the era's advanced technology. Some of the doctor-recommended standards include maternal-fetal medicine evaluation, early screening, and a personal birth plan. On the contrary, older parents shall be economically and psychologically sound, worry-free, with an uninterrupted child-bearing environment. Even science emphasizes the fact that children born to older parents have some plus points in their growth, such as superior educational achievement and emotional stability. The Role of Lifestyle and Support Systems The lifestyle is the prime concern of all couples undergoing conception pregnancy at the age of over 40 years. A preconception medical checkup will show if there are any underlying conditions such as thyroid, high blood pressure, or insulin resistance. Nutritional balance in the form of prenatal vitamins, folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids takes over as the priority for fetal growth. A normal pregnancy is sustained by a care group of exercise, stress relief, and relaxation. Avoid alcoholic drinks and cigarettes as well, since they will also play a similar important role in inflicting damage to the mother and the developing child. Similar in value is a network of feeling and fact, support mothering, domestic assistance, and accessible medical caregivers who will be capable of providing an atmosphere of support able to sustain the bodily and emotional weariness that precedes late pregnancy and initial motherhood stages. Parenthood On Your Terms If you're going to become a parent beyond the age of 40, you should: ● First, book a consultation to check whether and how any existing medical conditions need to be addressed. ● Eat healthy and begin prenatal vitamin supplements like folic acid, iron, and DHA. ● Regular exercise for a healthy heart and metabolism, and get a good sleep to prevent stress. ● Smoking, alcohol consumption, and other toxins substances that go through the placenta and inhibit fertility and fetal development should be avoided. ● Look for support from parenting classes or counseling. Parenthood at age 40 is no longer a sign of danger but increasingly a viable, even a hip, choice. With proper guidance, sound judgment, and healthy living, increasingly more are not only defying odds but thriving.
The Hindu
25-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Widely used fungicide found to be driving C. tropicalis infections
Candida tropicalis is an important fungal pathogen in India and many parts of the world. Its infections are associated with a mortality rate of 55-60%. Anti-fungal drugs called azoles, such as fluconazole and voriconazole, are used to treat its infections. But there is a growing concern in medical circles that clinics are seeing an increasing number of infections by strains of C. tropicalis that exhibit high resistance to these drugs. What is driving this alarming increase in drug resistance? A paper published recently in PLoS Biology by researchers from Fudan University in Shanghai has provided the answer. They found that an azole-related fungicide called tebuconazole widely used by farmers and gardeners, and which can accumulate and persist in the environment has driven the increase in azole-resistant C. tropicalis infections seen in clinics. The team also found that tebuconazole-resistant strains exhibited aneuploidy — meaning their chromosome number showed differences from the normal chromosome count for the organism. Such deviation from the normal chromosome complement is known as ploidy plasticity. Deviating from normal ploidy In the human body, most cells have two sets of the genome: thus they are diploid. One set of 23 chromosomes comes via the father's sperm and the other set of 23 from the mother's egg. When we, in turn, make eggs or sperm, a process called meiosis ensures only one set of chromosomes each of the 23 pairs is transmitted to them. Eggs or sperm are the only haploid cells in us — meaning they each have one copy of the genome. When a sperm fertilises an egg to make the zygote, diploidy is restored. The zygote then develops into the baby. On rare occasions, meiosis isn't as efficient and produces sperm or eggs that contain one copy more or one copy less of one or more chromosomes. Such eggs and sperm are said to be aneuploid. Aneuploidy can have serious consequences. A zygote with three copies instead of two of the smallest chromosome leads to the development of Down syndrome. These individuals have delayed development, characteristically aberrant physical features, and mild to moderate intellectual impairment. Aneuploidy for any of the other chromosomes almost invariably ends in prenatal death. In short, humans don't tolerate ploidy plasticity well — nor do most other animals, plants, and fungi, For a long time, C. tropicalis was also thought to be a diploid organism. Thus, finding that in most tebuconazole-resistant strains the ploidy was altered surprised the researchers. Enhanced resistance to anti-fungals The team started with five different C. tropicalis strains that were susceptible to tebuconazole and also to clinically-used fluconazole and voriconazole. They exposed the strains to incrementally more tebuconazole concentrations from 0.125 to 16 micrograms/millilitre in liquid medium, then grew them on tebuconazole-containing semisolid media in Petri plates. Finally, they picked 35 tebuconazole-resistant colonies. All these colonies exhibited cross-resistance to fluconazole and voriconazole. The tebuconazole-resistant strains showed slower growth than their progenitor strains in the absence of antifungals. But in the presence of antifungals, they grew much better. It seems the resistant strains had traded cell growth for antifungal resistance. The researchers found that the ploidy of tebuconazole-resistant strains ranged from haploid to triploid (that is, three copies of the genome). Those identified as diploid or close to diploid were found by more detailed analyses to, in fact, be segmental aneuploids: they carried duplications or deletions of some chromosome segments. The duplicated chromosome segments carried genes whose overexpression was known from other studies to increase resistance to azoles. For example, several TBZ-resistant strains had duplications of a chromosomal segment carrying a gene named TAC1, which encodes a protein that helps the cell to produce more of another protein named the ABC-transporter. The ABC-transporter pumps toxic compounds such as the azoles out of the cell. Conversely, other segmental aneuploids showed haploidisation, that is, deletion of one copy of a segment of another chromosome that carried the HMG1 gene. The overexpression of HMG1 decreased the biosynthesis of a chemical in cell membranes named ergosterol. Previous studies had shown that in budding yeast, HMG1 overexpression led to lower synthesis of ergosterol and a lower resistance to fluconazole — whereas reduced expression of HMG1 stimulated ergosterol synthesis and elevated resistance to fluconazole. Thus, although the aneuploidies created imbalances in the C. tropicalis genome that reduced their growth rate, they enabled the strains to better resist antifungals. The researchers also verified that the strains with altered ploidy were more virulent than the progenitor strains in mice treated with fluconazole. An unanticipated haploid Another unexpected bonus from the new study was the discovery that tebuconazole-resistant strains included stable haploid strains of C. tropicalis. The haploid cells were able to undergo mating. These serendipitous findings now provide researchers a useful tool for future genetic analyses. The researchers recovered a haploid cell from among the tebuconazole-resistant strains generated in the laboratory. They wondered whether any of the 868 C. tropicalis strains recorded in clinical visits around the world might include any haploids (that is, naturally haploid rather than as an abnormality). They examined publicly available genomic sequences of these strains and found that two of them, isolated from Spain, were indeed haploid. In conclusion, the research showed that the reckless use of triazole antifungals in agriculture can unwittingly promote the emergence of pathogenic strains showing cross-resistance to azoles of clinical importance. Further, some of the resistant strains were haploid, like our sperm and egg cells, and could likewise mate and hence be capable of introducing their resistance mechanisms into new genetic backgrounds. This exemplifies the prophetic warning: 'sow the wind, reap the whirlwind'. D.P. Kasbekar is a retired scientist.
