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Risk Factors for Chromosomal Abnormalities

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Risk Factors for Chromosomal Abnormalities

A risk factor is something that raises the chances of getting a health problem. A person can have a child with chromosomal abnormalities with or without the ones listed below. The chances of having a child with these problems are greater in people who have many.

Age

The risk of having a child with an abnormality gets higher as the mother ages. A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have. The risk of having a child with an abnormality may get higher as the eggs get older.

References

  • About Turner syndrome. National Genome Research Institute website. Available at: https://www.genome.gov/Genetic-Disorders/Turner-Syndrome. Accessed May 11, 2022.
  • Chromosome abnormalities fact sheet. National Human Genome Research Institute website. Available at: https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Chromosome-Abnormalities-Fact-Sheet. Accessed May 11, 2022.
  • Down syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/down-syndrome. Accessed May 11, 2022.

Contributors

  • Kari Kassir, MD
Last Updated:
2021-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.