A maternal characteristic that has been shown to increase the risks of preterm birth is which of the following?

• A. Arab-American ethnicity
• B. Marijuana use
• C. Advanced maternal age
• D. Genetic predisposition

Answer: (D)

Genetic predisposition is a maternal characteristic that increases preterm birth risk because heritable factors can influence the timing of labor. Family history or maternal genotypes can affect pathways involved in maintaining pregnancy and initiating labor—such as inflammatory signaling, placental function, and cervical remodeling—making earlier birth more likely across pregnancies. While other factors like advanced maternal age or substance use are also associated with higher risk, the idea of inherited susceptibility specifically highlights how genetic variation in the mother can predispose to preterm birth.