Pregnancy after age 35

In today’s society, it has become more commonplace for women to consider pregnancy at age 35 or older for a variety of reasons. Some have pursued education, careers, or have married later in life than women did decades ago. And some are simply choosing to have one more baby in their lifetime, even after one or two previous pregnancies. Infertility problems are more prevalent as a woman gets older, yet technology has helped many women succeed in achieving a much desired pregnancy. Statistically, there are more women over the age of 35 than in any other era. Due to the increasing popularity of late pregnancy, it is imperative to consider more desirable and friendly terms to use when referring to older pregnant women. The terms elderly primigravida, post-mature, and obstetrically senescent are somewhat negative. Less offensive terms such as mature primigravida or advanced maternal age may be more appropriate.

Health care providers have traditionally viewed any woman over the age of 35, especially having her first pregnancy, as a high risk patient. Age alone does not predict risk, but several lifestyle factors, such as family history, socioeconomics, and demographics, have major impacts on the well-being of the mother and infant. The number and spacing of previous pregnancies, genetics of the parents, nutritional status, and prenatal care of the mother also play an important role in the pregnancies of older women. It is imperative, for all of these reasons, that benefits and risks for the mother and the baby be considered.  Some of the more common chronic diseases that may be present in women over 35, and which may affect a pregnancy, are arthritis, hypertension, and diabetes. These can all be monitored, and technology helps in detecting and treating these diseases to assure a safe pregnancy. The risk that cannot be overcome by a healthy lifestyle is a chromosomal abnormality. It is not understood completely, but statistically, the genetic material within the egg is at a greater risk of being defective as the woman ages. The absence or addition of a chromosome can lead read more