Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What is a critical risk factor that affects fetal development?

1. Time of year during conception.

2. Maternal age.

3. Local air quality.

4. Addition of folic acid to maternal diet.

The correct answer is: Maternal age.

Maternal age is a significant critical risk factor affecting fetal development due to its impact on various aspects of pregnancy and potential outcomes for the child. As maternal age increases, particularly in women who are considered "advanced maternal age" (generally defined as 35 years or older), there’s an increased risk of complications such as chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome. Older maternal age can also be associated with higher instances of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and higher rates of cesarean delivery. Additionally, younger maternal age, especially in teenagers, can also pose risks due to factors such as a higher likelihood of inadequate prenatal care, socio-economic challenges, and increased risks of delivering preterm or low-birth-weight infants. Therefore, the age of the mother plays a crucial role in fetal development and outcomes, making it a critical risk factor to consider in prenatal care and maternal health. Other factors might influence pregnancy, but they vary in significance. Time of year during conception can influence environmental factors but is less directly correlated to fetal outcomes. Local air quality can have some impact, particularly in regard to respiratory issues for the mother, but it is not as universally critical as maternal age. The addition of folic acid