Navigating Pregnancy After 35: Understanding the Risks of Advanced Maternal Age

There has been a notable shift in maternity trends in recent years, with many women choosing to start families later in life. This shift has led to an increased prevalence of pregnancies occurring after the age of 35, a phase often referred to as advanced maternal age. Advanced maternal age can pose unique challenges to any aspiring parent, many of which can directly affect their well-being. Moreover, the later in life one tries for a baby, the more infertility becomes a severe concern.

Having a child after age 35 is by no means impossible or ill-advised, though. With proper medical care and specialized attention, hopeful parents can have children later in life with minimal concerns. When assisting my patients, I first want them to understand the risks of conception during advanced maternal age to help them make well-informed decisions about the future of their family. If you are thinking of expanding your family after age 35, I recommend discussing these key risks with your doctor so that you can devise a personalized approach based on your needs. 

Gestational Diabetes

Women over 35 face a higher likelihood of developing diabetes while pregnant, a condition known as gestational diabetes. This condition can have profound implications for both the mother and the baby, as gestational diabetes can lead to additional issues like preterm birth or macrosomia, to go with increasing the likelihood of the mother needing a cesarean section. Because women over 35 are at an increased risk of this condition, I strongly recommend maintaining open lines of communication with your doctor, testing regularly, and monitoring your diet throughout the pregnancy.  

Hypertension

Older pregnancies come with an increased risk of hypertension. This condition can lead to preeclampsia, a severe medical complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Similar to gestational diabetes, hypertension can pose several complications to the pregnancy, including premature birth, low birth weight, and placental abruption, and many of these issues can endanger both mother and baby.

Women over 35 should undergo regular prenatal check-ups to monitor blood pressure and mitigate potential complications. Close medical supervision, especially by fertility doctors, and lifestyle adjustments are crucial for ensuring a safe pregnancy and delivery for older mothers.

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Advanced maternal age increases the likelihood of conditions like Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. These abnormalities arise from errors in cell division during embryo development. While prenatal testing such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling can detect these abnormalities, they each carry risks. Additionally, chromosomal abnormalities may result in developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, or other health complications for the child.

Detecting chromosomal abnormalities early is crucial for informed decision-making. That’s why it’s important to understand various prenatal testing options available to expectant parents. These screenings are crucial in ensuring a thorough understanding of the pregnancy and potential challenges. Talking with fertility experts like our experts at the Nevada Fertility Institute can help you understand these risks and gain more insight into how to navigate them. 

The Importance of Prenatal Care

Regular prenatal checkups are the cornerstone of any healthy pregnancy. These checkups offer crucial insights into the well-being of the mother and the baby, allowing for timely interventions and adjustments to ensure a smoother experience. 

Potential risks associated with advanced maternal age can be effectively monitored and managed under medical supervision. It’s important to talk with healthcare experts about how professional help plays a pivotal role in identifying and addressing the risks above. A proactive approach during these check-ups enables early intervention and promotes a safer pregnancy.

Professional Help from Experts at Nevada Fertility Institute

For comprehensive and specialized care, experts in institutions like Nevada Fertility Institute are here to help. The advantages of relying on the expertise of fertility specialists and medical professionals who understand the unique needs of pregnancies in advanced maternal age are crucial for women looking to conceive after 35. The Nevada Fertility Institute can provide in-depth support throughout your route to parenthood.

As time passes, more and more people choose to have children later in life. Having children after the age of 35 can carry several medical implications, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and chromosomal abnormalities. However, none of these challenges make having a successful pregnancy in your mid to late thirties impossible. 

Prioritizing regular prenatal check-ups, proactive risk management, collaborative decision-making, and seeking professional help from institutions like the Nevada Fertility Institute are essential to ensure a healthy and well-supported pregnancy—regardless of age.