Final answer:
The risk of having a child with Down syndrome increases with maternal age, with significant rises after the age of 35 and an even higher risk at 40. The increased risk is due to cells being more likely to make mistakes during cell division as women age. Understanding this risk is important for prospective parents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The risk of having a child with Down syndrome increases significantly with maternal age. A 20-year-old mother has a relatively low risk, but by the age of 30, the risk becomes more pronounced and escalates further beyond the age of 35. Specifically, by the time a woman reaches 40, the risk is considerably higher compared to in her 20s. Cells are more prone to mistakes in the nondisjunction during cell division as women age, which is a key factor in the development of Down syndrome.
It is important for healthcare providers to inform prospective parents about both the challenges and the positive aspects of raising a child with Down syndrome, as individuals with this condition can lead fulfilling lives as contributing members of society. However, it is equally crucial for parents to understand the increased genetic risks associated with advanced maternal age.