Question

During the embryonic (second through eighth weeks) and fetal stages (last seven months on average) of pregnancy, maternal characteristics and external environmental forces (teratogens) have a major effect on the baby's development. What mothers are in increased risk to giving birth to a child with Down syndrome?

A. Adolescent mothers
B. Mothers over 22
C. Mothers over 27
D. Mothers over 30

Answer 1

Mothers over age 30 have an increased risk of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome, with the risk becoming more significant after age 35.

Step-by-step explanation:

The risk of having a child with Down syndrome increases significantly with maternal age, especially for women age 35 and older. Mothers over 30 years of age have a higher risk compared to younger mothers, but this risk escalates more notably after age 35. The condition known as trisomy 21, or Down syndrome, becomes more likely due to age-related changes in a woman's eggs and increases the chance of an error during cell division. It is important for expectant mothers to receive proper prenatal care, and if a mother is of advanced maternal age, she may require closer monitoring for potential genetic conditions like Down syndrome during her pregnancy.