Question

At what age are women who become pregnant usually advised to have their fetuses checked for Down's syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities?

A) 20-24 years old
B) 30-34 years old
C) 40-44 years old
D) 50-54 years old

Answer 1

Women are advised to screen for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities at around age 35, as the risk increases significantly with maternal age.

Step-by-step explanation:

Women are usually advised to have their fetuses checked for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities around 35 years of age. This recommendation is based on data indicating that the incidence of having a fetus with trisomy 21, which causes Down syndrome, increases dramatically with maternal age. As a woman's age increases, particularly after age 35, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus also rises. The risk is significantly higher among women age 35 and older, which is why genetic counseling is often recommended for expectant mothers over 35, their partners over 55, or those with a family history of genetic disorders.