Physical and Cognitive Traits of Edward's Syndrome
Edward’s Syndrome cannot always be detected at first glance, especially if a new born has other health issues. However, a new born baby with this diagnosis can typically be identified by its small, abnormally shaped head, small jaw and mouth, long fingers that overlap, short fingernails, clenched fists and intestine protruding outside the body. They also have low set ears, smooth ‘rocker bottom’ feet widely spaced eyes and in males undescended testicles. A baby with Edward’s Syndrome has heart and kidney problems and infant feeding problems that usually lead to poor growth and breathing problems. Other symptoms include hernias in the wall of their tummy, bone abnormalities, such as a curved spine, frequent infections of the lungs and urinary system and a severe learning disability.
Ninety percent of babies with Edward’s Syndrome die before the age 1; five to ten percent of the babies live through their first year. It is difficult to predict an accurate life expectancy for a newborn baby with Edward’s Syndrome if they do not have immediate life-threatening complications. There is a minuscule number of individuals that survive through their teen years, but this is very unusual.