A risk factor is something that raises your chances of getting a disease or health problem.
You can have a child with a chromosomal abnormality with or without the factors below. The more you have, the greater your chances will be. Talk to your doctor about how you can lower your risk.
Age
The leading cause is the mother’s age. The chances get higher as the mother ages. The number of abnormalities passed on is hard to know because most do not end in live births.
These statistics only account for live births.
Testing
Your risk is higher if you have had a child with an abnormality in the past.
Talk to your doctor about testing if you and your partner have had at least two miscarriages. If the results are not normal, you and your partner should meet with a geneticist.
Living Environment
Urban air pollutants can harm babies in the womb. They can raise your chance of having a child with abnormalities.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Kathleen A. Barry, MD
- Review Date: 05/2018 -
- Update Date: 07/30/2018 -