How does maternal age impact pregnancy outcomes?

Maternal age plays a significant role in influencing pregnancy outcomes, and older age is associated with increased risks for chromosomal abnormalities. As women age, particularly those over 35, the likelihood of genetic conditions such as Down syndrome rises, primarily due to the age-related decline in oocyte quality and chromosomal integrity during cell division. This is attributed to the accumulation of cellular aging effects and meiotic errors, which can lead to aneuploidy in embryos.

In contrast to this, the notion that older mothers experience fewer health complications is inaccurate; in fact, older maternal age is often linked with higher risks of pregnancy-related health issues such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preterm birth. Similarly, the assertion that age does not significantly affect pregnancy outcomes overlooks substantial evidence indicating that maternal age is a critical factor in both genetic risks and complications during pregnancy. Lastly, while it is true that younger mothers sometimes experience specific challenges, stating that they have higher risks for developmental issues lacks the nuance necessary, as developmental concerns can stem from a variety of factors that are not solely age-dependent. Thus, option A accurately captures a pivotal aspect of how maternal age influences pregnancy outcomes by highlighting the increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities in older mothers.