An Overview of Advanced Maternal Age
If a woman is over 35 years, she is considered to be at an advanced maternal age. Many women living in the Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas communities are delaying pregnancy as they settle into their career, begin a home and find their lifelong partner. While women all over the world deliver healthy babies at an older age, pregnancy after 35 presents additional risks to both the baby and mother. Pregnant women over the age of 35 can rest assured they are in good hands when under the care of Dr. Dennis Eisenberg and his OBGYN team.
Understanding the Risks of Pregnancy After 35
Women beginning to think about pregnancy in their mid-30s to mid-40s are becoming more and more common. There is nothing magical about the age of 35. It is simply the age physicians have discovered that various health risks become more discussion worthy.
Common risks discussed at an advanced maternal age include:
- It may take longer to become pregnant because a woman’s eggs decrease in quality and quantity as they age
- An increased risk of miscarriage – up to 50% increase by the age of 45 years
- An increased risk of multiple pregnancies caused by hormonal changes that cause the release of multiple eggs at one time
- An enhanced risk of developing high blood pressure during the pregnancy and gestational diabetes
- An increased risk of low birth weight – less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces
- An enhanced risk of a C-section being the only delivery method
- An enhanced risk the baby will develop Down syndrome
If a woman is considering pregnancy after 35, or becomes pregnant after 35, it is often recommended she has prenatal screening tests performed to see if the baby is at risk for certain birth defects. Popular screening methods include maternal blood screening and cell-free fetal DNA screening. It is important to note that a screening test does not determine if the baby will develop a serious health condition. It only tests if a baby is at risk.
A Healthy Pregnancy at an Advanced Maternal Age
Women at an advanced maternal age can still deliver a healthy baby after a problem-free pregnancy if proper steps are taken.
Before becoming pregnant, women are encouraged to:
- Visit a OBGYN for a preconception visit and examination
- Receive treatment for any preexisting health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
- Take folic acid and/or other multivitamin daily
- Get to a healthy weight
- Reduce stress level
While pregnant, women are encouraged to:
- Go to all prenatal doctor appointments
- Eat a balanced diet
- Maintain physical activity
- Keep up with any necessary medications as prescribed
If you are at an advanced maternal age, or would like to discuss pregnancy after 35, please contact the office of Dr. Dennis Eisenberg, OBGYN serving patients in the Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas area.