This blog has been medically reviewed by Catherine Bigelow, MD, maternal-fetal medicine specialist, co-director cardio obstetrics program at Allina Health.
If you are thinking of having a baby later in life, you are not alone. Many people are choosing to start their families in their 30s and 40s. Because of that, many people wonder, what is advanced maternal age?
Pregnancy after the age of 35, often referred to as advanced maternal age, is becoming increasingly common. In fact, about 20% of women in the United States have their first child after 35, according to the National Institutes of Health. While there are certain risks associated with later pregnancies, many women have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. In this blog, we will cover what advanced maternal age means, the associated risks and how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
Connect with a trusted provider at The Mother Baby Center to get expert care and support for your advanced maternal age pregnancy.
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.
Learn how to have a healthy pregnancy at any age with expert guidance and resources from The Mother Baby Center.
Why does the risk of pregnancy complications go up as you get older?
A person’s risk for general health issues and pregnancy-related health issues gradually increases every year. As you age, physiological and genetic factors can contribute to increased pregnancy risks.
It’s important to prioritize personalized prenatal care and regular monitoring as you decide to start a family to help manage these risks.
How to prepare for an advanced age pregnancy
There are ways to prepare for pregnancy past 35. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your provider before getting pregnant to discuss a pre-conception plan and ensure optimal health during a pregnancy. Learn more about creating a birth plan.
If you are healthy overall, a plan may include staying physically active, continuing to eat a balanced diet and possibly taking prenatal vitamins. If you have health issues, like you may be overweight, have diabetes, or other issues, your provider may want to work on a plan with you to address those.
Explore every stage of pregnancy to feel confident and prepared.
How to lower the risk of complications during an advanced maternal age pregnancy
To reduce advanced age pregnancy risks, maintain a healthy lifestyle, attend all prenatal appointments and follow your health care provider’s advice. A supportive care team, like the one at The Mother Baby Center, can make a significant difference.
The Mother Baby Center is a partnership between Allina Health and Children’s Minnesota. This means you’ll have labor, delivery and postpartum care experts from Abbott Northwestern, United and Mercy hospitals (part of Allina Health) who are dedicated to personalized and family-focused care. And families whose babies need higher levels of care will take comfort in knowing they have access to all of the best neonatal intensive care that Children’s Minnesota has to offer.
How advanced maternal age impacts postpartum recovery
Postpartum, also known as the fourth trimester, starts right after you give birth and lasts for 12 weeks. During this time, there will be a lot of changes and adjustments for you, the baby and your family. While your baby is adjusting to the outside world, you will be adapting to motherhood and all the emotional and hormonal changes that come with pregnancy.
Postpartum looks different for every pregnant person, no matter their age. It’s important to reach out for support for both physical and emotional well-being after pregnancy and childbirth.
Get our list of 37 postpartum essentials for every new and expecting family.
Find a trusted provider at The Mother Baby Center
Advanced maternal age and pregnancy can come with its unique set of challenges and rewards. We hope we have provided you with a comprehensive guide on pregnancy after 35. By staying informed and working closely with a trusted health care provider, you can navigate this journey with confidence.
Find a provider to support you through delivery at The Mother Baby Center so that you get expert care and support for your advanced maternal age pregnancy.