Impact of parental ages and other characteristics at childbearing on congenital anomalies

The impact of parental ages and of various maternal characteristics having a possible effect on congenital anomalies is examined using linked national data sets of the Czech Republic for the period 2000-2007. Logistic regression modelling shows (when only parental ages are included) that both maternal and paternal ages have an impact on anomalies of cleft lip and cleft palate and on anomalies of the musculoskeletal system. Only older maternal age is associated with a higher risk of Down syndrome and with the occurrence of other chromosomal anomalies. When additional characteristics are included, the odds ratios for parental ages barely change. Mother’s social characteristics (education, marital status) and biological ones (previous miscarriage, perinatal death, multiple births, diabetes) affect differently the occurrence of congenital anomalies.