A 43-year-old member asked:
After 35, what are the possible birth defects?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Bergmananswered
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 39 years experience
Birth Defects: Birth defects are usually spontaneous occurrences unless they are related to genetic abnormalities or exposure to substances that are known to cause birth defects. After 35 a women has a higher risk of a fetus having a genetically abnormal fetus and therefore a slightly higher risk of birth defects that are associated with these genetic issues. Antenatal testing and sonograms can help detect.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Similar to younger: In the world of birth defects, age starts to increase chances of chromosome anomalies, like Down syndrome, adding about 1% risk at 40 and 5% at 50.You must add this to the risk a mom would have one at any age. There are a lot of different ones, and only a consultation with a clinical geneticist could define yours.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 9, 2015
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