How do I know if my child has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on April 02, 2026
Hypermobile EDS Common symptoms include: Joint dislocates or separates (called subluxation) with mild trauma. Pain that first appears as “growing pains” in young children, but can become more widespread and chronic in teens and older people. Pain is caused by the overall joint instability.
What does EDS look like in children?
Pediatric EDS symptoms can appear at birth or soon afterward and can include abnormal scarring, autonomic nervous system issues, cardiovascular problems, early-onset osteoarthritis, elastic or stretchy skin that bruises easily, extra folds of skin, gastrointestinal issues, internal bleeding, joint hypermobility, organ …
Do boys get Ehlers-Danlos?
Although EDS and HSD are seen more often in women than in men, the research is clear. Men can and do endure EDS, HSD, and myriad related disorders. And, even though EDS/HSD are underdiagnosed, they can be just as severe and debilitating in men as they are in women.
Can babies have EDS?
What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome? Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s connective tissue. Connective tissues are proteins, such as collagen, that provide elasticity and support to the joints, blood vessels and skin. EDS occurs in about one out of every 5,000 babies born worldwide.
Is my baby Hypermobile?
Hypermobile infants and toddlers have joints that bend further than usual, often have some muscle weakness which leads to a diagnosis of low muscle tone, in most cases have a cautious nature. Infants and toddlers with joint hypermobility may: Be late learning to sit, sit with a very rounded back or W-sit.
How do I know if my baby has hypermobility?
Symptoms of joint hypermobility in babies Your child often gets sprains or strains, or talks about pain or stiffness in joints or muscles. Your child’s joints regularly dislocate. Your child has co-ordination and balance problems. Your child has regular digestive problems, like diarrhoea and constipation.
What is EDS in a child?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) refers to a group of disorders that affect the body’s connective tissue, including skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessel walls. These connective tissues provide strength and elasticity to other parts of the body. Children who have EDS typically have overly flexible joints.
Do babies with hypermobility take longer to walk?
How do I know if my baby has hypermobility? One of the very first signs of hypermobility in babies and children is that they seem to be a little slower in terms of reaching their developmental milestones such as crawling and walking.
Why do babies lock their legs?
This is normal to begin with as they don’t initially have the knee stability needed, so locking their legs allows them to maintain the position. As your baby’s leg muscles get stronger they will be able to control their knees and will no longer do this.
Are babies Hypermobile?
Newborn hypermobile (and pre-term) babies lie with their legs and arms more extended and flat on the cot mattress. The usual tightness of the hip and knee muscles is absent and the the hips and knees can be fully extended.
When do babies bear weight on legs?
Related Milestones Some younger infants are able to stand up with support and bear some weight on their legs between 2 and 4 1/2 months. This is an expected and safe developmental stage that will progress to pulling up independently and won’t cause them to have bow-legs.
What are the signs and symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?
Symptoms and signs of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome vary widely. Predominant symptoms include hypermobile joints, abnormal scar formation and wound healing, fragile vessels, and velvety, hyperextensible skin. Skin can be stretched several centimeters but returns to normal when released.
Can Ehlers-Danlos syndrome affect pregnancy?
A more severe form of the disorder, called vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can cause the walls of your blood vessels, intestines or uterus to rupture. Because vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can have serious potential complications in pregnancy, you may want to talk to a genetic counselor before starting a family.
How does Ehlers-Danlos syndrome affect stitches?
People who have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome usually have overly flexible joints and stretchy, fragile skin. This can become a problem if you have a wound that requires stitches, because the skin often isn’t strong enough to hold them.
Can Ehlers Danlos syndrome be inherited from a parent?
Sometimes the genetic mutation is inherited from a parent. In other cases, new mutations can occur spontaneously in children with no family history of the disorder. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a complex condition, and your child will likely need care from a range of specialists.