Maternal age over 40 increases risk of fetal DNA errors by up to 50-fold

When 58-year-old Lilian Chan, the wife of Hong Kong actor Brian Wong Chak Fung, announced that she was expecting her second child. Her story sparked public conversations about the realities and possibilities of pregnancy at an older age.

Later pregnancies carry higher risks. Advances in genetic reproductive medicine, like IVF and NIPT, are making it possible for women to experience healthy pregnancies. With the support of genetic technologies, they can now deliver healthy babies at ages once considered beyond the reproductive window.

Age increases prenatal risks

In medical terms, advanced maternal age refers to any pregnancy at age 35 or older. The median age of first-time mothers has risen steadily, from just over 27 years in 1990 to nearly 33 years in 2024, according to SINGSTAT. The percentage of women giving birth at age 40 or older more than doubled between 1985 and 2015 .

The risk of preeclampsia increases with maternal age. It is a serious pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure affects about one in every 100 pregnant women. Medications such as low-dose aspirin and heparin can reduce this risk, though not all preventive measures work for everyone.

The risks associated with advanced maternal age extend to the health of the baby, particularly in terms of genetic conditions. A population-based study conducted between 1989 and 1993 demonstrates that maternal age affects the likelihood of trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome.

The study analyzed DNA samples from 170 infants with trisomy 21 and their parents. The result showed that women aged 40 and older were 5-50 times more likely to have fetal chromosomal abnormalities, particularly around the time of conception. In such cases, genetic testing guided assisted reproductive service can help reduce risk of unexpected conditions.

PGT Secures IVF Result

After experiencing the heartbreak of a miscarriage, Chan made the brave decision to try again—this time through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in Taiwan. The process involved daily abdominal injections and a financial commitment exceeding $25,700.

Advancements in precision medicine offer families like Chan’s more personalized and effective options. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) allows clinicians to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities and single-gene disorders before implantation. This technology significantly boosts the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby.

By integrating PGT into IVF, fertility care is empowering individuals and couples with genetic data and insight. According to the Journal of Assisted Reproductive Genetics, IVF cycles utilizing PGT have demonstrated up to a 70% increase in success rates, while also reducing the risk of miscarriage.

Consider NIPT Before Amnio

While maternal age remains a factor in the risk of chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome, experts now recommend Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) for all pregnancies, regardless of age. NIPT reduces the need for invasive procedures like amniocentesis, which, though accurate, carry the risk of miscarriage.

"When assisted reproduction is necessitated by chromosomal abnormalities in either partner, direct prenatal diagnosis is the preferred approach." Faye Wang, Head of Reproductive Products at BGI Genomics, explains. “But if no chromosomal concerns exist with the couple, NIPT can be performed after 12 weeks of pregnancy.”

One widely adopted NIPT option is the NIFTY® test, which requires only a 5ml blood sample from the mother. By analyzing cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) circulating in maternal blood, NIFTY® provides early, accurate, and non-invasive insights into the baby's chromosomal health. It is a safer, more accessible way for expectant parents to gain peace of mind—without compromising the pregnancy.

As science continues to redefine the boundaries of reproductive health, stories like Lilian Chan's are no longer medical anomalies — they're markers of a new era in parenthood. With the support of advanced genetic technologies like IVF, PGT, and NIPT, later-in-life pregnancies are becoming safer, more viable, and more widely accepted.

While age-related risks remain, access to personalized care and scientific guidance empowers women to make informed decisions with confidence. As family-building journeys grow more diverse, precision medicine is opening new and personalized paths to parenthood.

About BGI Genomics

BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine. Our services cover more than 100 countries and regions, involving more than 2,300 medical institutions. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.