V. Risks to consider when having a baby after a certain age

Until recently, a pregnancy at age 35 or older was considered a ‘geriatric’ or advanced maternal age pregnancy. However, this is not the case anymore. Most in this age category can and will have a safe pregnancy as well as deliver a healthy baby if they are in overall good health and have access to prenatal care. While there are some increased risks and genetic concerns to consider with a later pregnancy, there are also the added benefits of being a more mature and financially secure parent which can add to this exciting and rewarding life experience.

These are some of the increased risks you should know about that are directly related to maternal age.

i. Birth defects

As a woman ages, the risk of chromosomal disorders to her fetus increases. For example, a 25 year old woman has a risk of down's syndrome of 1:1,250, this increases to 1:400 at age 35 and then to 1:30 by age 45.

ii. Miscarriage

Fertility is reduced as a woman gets older, making it harder for her to conceive. Once she conceives there is no guarantee that the pregnancy will progress. In fact, the rate of miscarriage increases as maternal age advances. 

iii. Maternal health conditions

Hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes are more likely to be a pre-existing medical condition as you age. So, someone with these health issues prior to pregnancy, regardless of age, should be well controlled with medication that does not interfere with or negatively impact pregnancy. Even without these pre-existing conditions, certain health issues are not uncommon during pregnancy, and older women are at increased risk for developing them. It should be noted that these illnesses can have adverse repercussions to both mother and baby and should be carefully monitored.

iv. Placental conditions

The placenta is an organ created in pregnancy that helps to provide nutrients and oxygen to the baby as well as eliminate waste and carbon dioxide from the baby. Certain diseases including hypertension and diabetes can cause the placenta to function less effectively which can result in poor fetal outcomes. In addition, women who are older have a higher incidence of the placenta implanting over the cervix, or placenta previa, which requires delivery by cesarean and can lead to maternal blood loss. 

v. Preterm birth and small gestational age

Older women have a higher incidence of preterm births and smaller babies. This can lead to a higher admission to the neonatal ICU and other problems for the newborn.

It is important to note that early and consistent prenatal care may not always prevent these issues but will more likely result in detection which allows for early intervention and improved maternal and fetal outcomes throughout the pregnancy and delivery process.

Verbena does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a medical provider. Discuss all/any pregnancy issues, questions or concerns with your personal doctor.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.