QuestionHi--
I've noticed that people who are unfamiliar with statistics tend to assess as a .50-.50 probablity any unknown probability.
Thus, the other day I was speaking with a woman of 35 who was considering whether to have a baby. It was clear that she thought that (on account of her age) there was an even chance that she'd give birth to a baby with a serious problem,possibly a diformity.
Obviously, this was nonsense, but it did get me wondering about the probability of such a baby for a woman of, say, 35 or 40.
Obviously an answer can be only a ballpark figure, since the probabilities for different problems differ.
Nonetheless, I'd be grateful for such a figure.
Many thaks,
Steve
AnswerHi Steve,
I am happy to give you the information you asked for.
Please remember that the numbers I am sending you are available for mothers of advanced maternal age to consider extra testing during pregnancy. They are not intended to discourage any woman of child bearing age to become pregnant. Pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood are perhaps the most rewarding experiences that life offers. That comment from a man (and father).
Certainly there is increased incidence of fetal complications with increasing maternal age. The real risk is that of Down Syndrome, or trisomy 21. The risk is prevalent and the statistics are predictive.
Below I am pasting the current risk ratio chart available from ACOG.
Best of luck
Incidence of Down Syndrome with Increasing Maternal Age
Maternal Age at Delivery Risk at Term
32 1/725
33 1/592
34 1/465
35 1/365
36 1/287
37 1/255
38 1/177
39 1/139
40 1/109
41 1/85
42 1/67
43 1/53
44 1/41
45 1/32
46 1/25
47 1/20
48 1/16
49 1/12
