A simple preventive measure that anyone can take is to complete his or her family at a relatively young age. Maternal age plays a significant role in producing Down’s syndrome. A mother below 25 years of age has a chance of one in every 1,400 births of giving birth to a baby with Down’s syndrome. These figures continue to increase until the age of 45 years and above, when the chances are almost one in every 12 births.

Folic acid, which is a source of vitamin B, helps in the formation of new cells. Regular consumption of folic acid before and during pregnancy can help in prevention of major birth defects like Down’s syndrome. Occurrence of Down’s syndrome can also be linked to the intake of folic acid and mothers with low folate levels possess a greater risk of having a baby with Down’s syndrome. This prevention technique does not require any significant investment of time and money and intake of folic acid will boost a person’s immunity levels too. This prevention method will start showing results over a period of time.

Some factors, if detected early, can help in preventing the disease. A confirmed diagnosis of this disease can be done through a karyotype test. This test is generally performed on the newborn by taking a blood sample. However, gynecologists recommend diagnosing this during pregnancy to eliminate risks of the disease. Antenatal screening via amniocentesis, which is performed between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, helps to analyse chromosome anomalies. Similarly, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is done between 11 and 12 weeks of pregnancy to analyse chromosomes in CVS for deviations. Requiring minimum investment of time and money, this method does not have any side effects on the patient’s health and once diagnosed, treatment can begin with immediate effect. The time required for screening would depend upon the laboratory where one decides to go for a test.

Abstaining from alcohol consumption during pregnancy can help in prevention of any Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). During pregnancy, alcohol can pass through the placenta to the unborn fetus, leading to adverse consequences. This can also result in a baby suffering from Down’s syndrome. This short-term prevention strategy can easily be implemented by the expecting mother and it can go a long way in prevention of this disease. In addition, drugs such as cocaine and marijuana can be delivered to the unborn fetus via blood supply through the umbilical cord. Therefore, pregnant women should refrain from ingestion of these drugs while carrying a baby.

Cigarette smoking can increase the chances of birth defects like Down’s syndrome in the baby. Higher the amounts of cigarettes, greater are the chances of any disorders. Mothers who smoke during the first trimester have twice the risk of delivering a baby with Down’s syndrome than the mothers who do not smoke. In addition, pregnant women who do not smoke should avoid places like the smoking lounge or areas where people smoke in public. Regular exposure to second hand smoke can also affect the developing fetus. Women who have a habit of smoking should consult a health care provider before planning their family to avoid any complications later.

Over the counter medicines should not be consumed by a pregnant woman as many drugs can harm the growth of the developing baby and may not be safe for the mother during pregnancy. These medicines can also have adverse side effects, which are visible after the child is born like heart defects or diseases like Down’s syndrome. All women should consult their gynecologists before taking any medicine and, if possible, intake of any medicine should generally be avoided. While travelling, a pregnant woman should take special precautions in order to avoid any situation where intake of medicines is needed.

Some viruses that cause minimal or no severe symptoms of a particular disease in adults can cause serious illnesses in an unborn child. Women can avoid any such viruses from entering their bodies by ensuring that their immunizations are up-to-date before getting pregnant. This short term strategy can be carried out easily before planning a baby with the help of health care provider. Avoiding contact with raw meat, sand or litter boxes, and wearing gloves while gardening during pregnancy, can also help in prevention of this disease.

Expecting mothers should avoid exposure to anything toxic as most substances can pass to the fetus through the placenta. This precaution should also be taken while travelling during pregnancy. This includes protecting one self from fumes arising from strong household chemicals such as paint thinners, cleaning chemicals and pesticides; lead in some paints; and water from contaminated sources. Exposure to toxic substances can cause serious birth defects like Down’s syndrome. This prevention technique does not need any special arrangements, and it can be followed very easily.

Pregnancy is a phase where unwanted supplements should be avoided as they can harm the fetus and the expecting mother. Only the dietary supplements suggested by a gynecologist should be taken. Always consult your health care provider before consuming any dietary supplement. This can help in prevention of various diseases like Down’s syndrome.