An obstetrician tells a 42-year-old patient that she can have a healthy baby, but that she is of "advanced maternal age." The patient is so upset that she fails to listen to the rest of the doctor's advice, goes home in a huff, and immediately dyes her hair, buys a miniskirt, and signs up for botox injections to smooth the tiny lines near her eyes. She is misinterpreting the doctor's statement because it referred to
A) the age of the sperm.
B) the age of her eggs.
C) her risk of developing diabetes.
D) her cholesterol level, not her appearance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term "advanced maternal age" is typically used to refer to women who are pregnant and over the age of 35. This is because as women age, their fertility declines and the risk of certain complications during pregnancy and birth increases. The doctor is likely referring to the patient's age as it relates to the health of her eggs, which may increase the risk of genetic abnormalities or other complications. The patient's response of focusing on her appearance suggests that she is misinterpreting the doctor's advice and may benefit from further education on the topic.

An Obstetrician Tells a 42-Year-Old Patient That She Can Have