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asked Dec 28, 2022 in Tests at Pregnancy by anonymous
What factors contribute to the risk of aneuploidies, and how is this risk calculated based on maternal age and ultrasound factors?
Artificial Intelligence Health Assistant's Answer

The risk of aneuploidies, such as Trisomy 21, 18, and 13, can be influenced by various factors. The background risk is determined based on maternal age, while the adjusted risk takes into account additional ultrasound factors like fetal nuchal translucency thickness and fetal heart rate. By combining these factors, healthcare professionals can calculate a more accurate risk assessment for aneuploidies during screening.

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answered Oct 27, 2025 by (925 points)
When I was expecting I remember being offered a "combined" screening where they looked at my age plus a blood test and ultrasound. The numbers they came back with were based on how common certain chromosome differences are at each maternal age, then adjusted if the nuchal translucency measurement or hormones were higher or lower than average. The risk goes up gradually with age – a 22 year old might get a risk of 1 in a few thousand, whereas at 40 it's more like 1 in a hundred. It's not a diagnosis, just a statistical estimate to help you decide if you want further testing. It can feel scary to hear a ratio, but most babies are healthy even when the "risk" sounds high.

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