More moms are getting pregnant in their mid-thirties – and older – than ever before. There are some risks associated with pregnancy after 35, so here’s what you need to know to have a healthy pregnancy and birth. You’re not alone
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 1 in 5 women have their first baby at age 35. Some women choose to delay pregnancy to focus on education or careers, while others may have fertility issues and use assisted reproductive technology to get pregnant later in life. Medically speaking, moms who are 35-years-old or older by the time of delivery are considered to be Advanced Maternal Age (AMA).Understand the risks
AMA moms are at increased risk for fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities - most notably - Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13,” explains Andrea Kemp, MD, MPH, Director of Obstetrics and Maternal Fetal Medicine at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, IL. “The risk increases with age. Other pregnancy risks that may be increased in an AMA patient include higher risk of having concurrent medical problems like diabetes or hypertension complicating pregnancy, but we wouldn't manage any differently, just monitor more closely since we know they're risks may be a bit higher.”Make informed decisions about prenatal testing
Because of the above-mentioned risks, you will be offered prenatal screening tests. Tests may include non-invasive screenings or invasive tests like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. These tests are discussed with all expectant moms – regardless of age -- “The amnio or CVS are invasive and come with a 0.5% to 1% loss risk respectively, but are diagnostic tests with 100% accuracy for chromosomal anomalies like Down syndrome,” Kemp explains. “Patients 35 or older have to decide which if any of these tests they may desire depending on how much assurance of the diagnosis they want while weighing how much risk they're willing to take to get that information.”Get good prenatal care and make healthy choices
Regular prenatal appointments benefit moms of any age. Talk to your doctor or midwife about prenatal vitamins, recommended weight gain, nutrition, exercise and more. Bottom line – get good prenatal care for you and your baby and share any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider.Your age may or may not affect labor and birth
Some research indicates that the risk of going into preterm labor or needing a cesarean section increases in your late thirties or after 40. However, maternal age alone won’t affect labor or delivery. Your doctor or midwife will monitor you and your baby for potential medical indications and will discuss any reasons for intervening during pregnancy or labor – the same as with younger moms.
