Many people these days think about starting a family and having a baby only when they are a little older, right? Maybe you are one of them. Especially if you are over 35 and are hoping to become a mother, this story will be very important for you. Because we need to be a little more careful about some of the things that come with pregnancy at this age. But don't worry, we will talk about it all simply.
What is Advanced Maternal Age (becoming a mother after the age of 35)?
Simply put, "advanced maternal age" is a medical term used to describe when you are 35 years old or older and are pregnant. It used to be called "geriatric pregnancy," but that term is no longer used because it is considered a term for older people. The term "advanced maternal age" is now more commonly used.
Think of it like a label that doctors use to tell you "you need to be a little more careful." The reason for this is that there is a slightly higher risk of complications when you get pregnant after the age of 35. But that doesn't mean you will definitely have a problem. Many mothers have healthy babies after the age of 35. The most important thing is to attend your prenatal check-ups regularly and get the tests done correctly. Then, if there is a problem, it can be identified and treated quickly.
What are the risks of having a baby after age 35?
As I mentioned before, most women give birth to healthy babies without any problems after the age of 35. However, there are some complications and health conditions that are a little higher. Let's take a look at what they are:
- High blood pressure: Your blood pressure may increase during pregnancy.
- Preeclampsia: This is a serious condition in which blood pressure suddenly increases during pregnancy and can affect other organs, such as the kidneys.
- Gestational diabetes: Diabetes that develops only during pregnancy, even if you did not have diabetes before.
- Multiple pregnancy: There is a higher chance of having twins or triplets rather than just one baby.
- Preterm birth or low birth weight: The baby may be born weeks before the due date or may have a low birth weight.
- Large baby: Sometimes the baby's weight may be higher than average.
- Having a child with Down syndrome or other genetic disorders: The baby is slightly more likely to have certain genetic conditions.
- Miscarriage or stillbirth: The risk of miscarriage or stillbirth is small or high.
- C-section delivery: The risk of having a baby delivered by C-section is higher than a normal delivery.
Remember, these are just risks . Your overall health, the prenatal care you receive, and your lifestyle are the things that really determine how your pregnancy will go.
Why do complications increase when you get pregnant after the age of 35?
There are two main reasons for this.
1. Quality of your eggs: Think about it, when we are young, our eggs are very 'fresh' and healthy. But with age, like anything we use, the quality of these eggs also starts to decrease a little. This is what we call 'declining egg quality' . Then, babies born from such 'old' eggs are sometimes slightly more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities , for example, Down syndrome. Many of these chromosomal abnormalities are detected by prenatal screening tests in the first trimester.
2. Chronic medical conditions: Also, as we age, we are more likely to develop chronic medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. These conditions can affect pregnancy. For example, a 38-year-old woman is more likely to have high blood pressure than a 28-year-old woman, even if she is not pregnant. These chronic conditions can affect pregnancy and childbirth.
These complications are most often seen after the age of 40.
What tests are recommended for advanced maternal age?
Doctors usually recommend prenatal genetic testing for women who become pregnant after age 35. These screenings can help determine whether the baby is at increased risk of developing certain genetic or chromosomal conditions that are present at birth.
Most tests use a blood sample, an ultrasound scan, or both. Blood tests look at certain substances in your blood to see if you have a genetic condition. Ultrasound scans look at measurements like nuchal translucency . This is done to check for Down syndrome or other chromosomal conditions.
The important thing is that these are only screening tests . That is, they only look for the *possibility* of having a genetic condition.
If this screening test shows any abnormalities, your doctor will order specific diagnostic tests . These include:
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): In this test, the doctor takes a small sample of cells from the placenta . These cells usually contain the baby's genetic information.
- Amniocentesis: In this test, the doctor inserts a needle through your abdomen and removes a sample of the fluid in your womb (amniotic fluid) . This fluid can also be used to detect certain genetic conditions.
Additionally, doctors may recommend that pregnant mothers over the age of 35 have regular ultrasound scans, be tested earlier for gestational diabetes, or be monitored regularly for preeclampsia.
How to treat pregnancy after age 35?
Usually, doctors don't treat you differently just because of your age. However, if genetic testing shows that your baby may have a congenital disease, or if you develop a condition like gestational diabetes, your doctor will take steps to protect you. You may be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist . Or, you may need to see your obstetrician regularly to check on your baby's growth and well-being.
With advances in medicine and technology, many pregnancies after age 35 are healthy and result in healthy babies.
Can I reduce my risk of pregnancy complications if I'm over 35?
Yes, absolutely! If you're over 35 and pregnant (or planning to become pregnant), there are a few things you can do right now to reduce your risk of pregnancy complications:
- Make sure all your preventive care , such as vaccinations, are done on time.
- If you have other existing medical conditions , keep them well controlled.
- Take a prenatal vitamin regularly.
- Do at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
- If you smoke and/or use tobacco products, stop.
- Stop drinking alcohol completely.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.
- Try to stay in a healthy weight range during pregnancy.
What are the chances of miscarriage after age 35?
This may sound a little scary, but the chances of having a healthy baby are actually much higher than the chances of miscarriage. However, the risk of miscarriage does increase slightly with age:
- Between 20 and 30 years old: 9% to 17% chance (that's roughly 9 to 17 out of 100 people)
- At age 35: 20% chance (that's 1 in 5 people)
- At age 40: 40% chance (that's 4 out of 10 people)
- At age 45: 80% chance (that's 8 out of 10 people)
The best advice on this is from your obstetrician and gynecologist. Talk to him or her about these risks.
Are there any advantages to having a baby after age 35?
Yes, of course! Starting a family is a very personal decision. Many people decide to have children later in life. One of the advantages of doing so is that they have more life experience and financial stability. Many people are also getting married later than they used to. As a result, they are putting off starting a family, or even expanding it. In a country like the United States, about 20% of women now have their first child after the age of 35.
What is the maximum age a woman can get pregnant naturally?
There is no specific age for this. A healthy pregnancy depends not only on your age, but also on your overall health .
However, experts know that your chances of getting pregnant decrease with age. For example, by the time you're 40, your chance of getting pregnant naturally is about 10% per menstrual cycle. But if you're in your early 30s, that chance is about 25%.
The most important thing to remember! (Take-Home Message)
Most pregnancies after age 35 are healthy and successful. However, it's good to be aware of the complications that can come with late-term motherhood. Talk to your doctor about what genetic tests he or she recommends and what you can do to stay healthy.
Most of the time, age is just a number when it comes to pregnancy. If you are in good health, manage your medical conditions, and listen to your doctor, you are much more likely to have a healthy baby. So, don't worry, and enjoy this journey.
` Older pregnancy, pregnancy risks, genetic testing, healthy pregnancy, prenatal care, fertility, miscarriage
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