What is advanced maternal age?
You may be wondering, what is considered advanced maternal age, or what age is advanced maternal age? While the phrase “advanced maternal age” may make some people a little uncomfortable, we totally understand! However, it simply means a pregnant person who is over the age of 35.
The reason a pregnancy over 35 has a term is because there can be some higher risks associated with a pregnancy at this age. But, we are here to discuss those and also reassure you, people can still have healthy pregnancies above the age of 35.
Why “geriatric pregnancy” is now called “advanced maternal age”
There are a lot of questions around the phrase, “geriatric pregnancy,” like, what is geriatric pregnancy? What’s the difference between geriatric pregnancy and advanced maternal age?
The term “geriatric pregnancy” has recently been replaced with “advanced maternal age” to use more respectful and updated language. This shift reflects a more positive and supportive approach to later pregnancies.
Is it harder to get pregnant after 35?
As you age, there is a natural decline in egg count and quality that may make it more difficult to become pregnant. We recommend people over the age of 35 who haven’t conceived after six months of trying talk to their health care provider for fertility assessments and potential treatments.
Advanced maternal age pregnancy risks
While many people over 35 have healthy pregnancies, there can be increased advanced maternal age risks to be aware of like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, premature delivery and more.
- Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is the type of diabetes that develops during some pregnancies. There are higher rates of gestational diabetes in pregnant people over 35, which requires careful blood sugar management.
- High blood pressure: People over 35 are more likely to experience high blood pressure when pregnant. This is due to physiological changes, and it can impact both the pregnant person and the baby if not properly managed. Your appointments will include routine blood pressure readings.
- Multiples: The likelihood of having twins or higher order multiples increases with age.
- Cesarean (C-section) births: C-section births are more common due to an increase in other complications.
- Miscarriage: The risk of miscarriage increases with age. This can be due to several factors such as aging eggs, other medical conditions and hormonal imbalances.
- Premature delivery: Premature deliveries and low birth rates are also more common in pregnancy after 35.
- Maternal mortality (death): There is an increased risk of maternal complications and maternal death in people of advanced maternal age. Routine prenatal care, knowing warning signs and enhancing your health are important to help modify this risk.
- Chromosomal conditions: Research has shown babies born to someone over 35 have a higher likelihood of certain chromosomal conditions. As eggs age, they are more likely to package the incorrect number of chromosomes.
- Stillbirth: The higher incidence of stillbirth may be due to other complications, such as a higher rate of chromosomal conditions.
These are some of the pregnancy risks related to advanced maternal age, but we recommend discussing other possible risks that may be directly related to you and your health with your provider.