What is Advanced Maternal Age?

Advanced maternal age is a term used to describe a woman who is pregnant at 35 or older. These individuals may be considered high risk due to their age, meaning that you are more likely than younger women to experience certain conditions and/or complications during your pregnancy. While this is not always the case, it is important to speak with your OB/GYN regarding these possible risks to ensure that you and your baby are healthy.

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If you are 35 years or older and are pregnant, you may be at higher risk for the following:

  • Twins or Multiples: The chances of having twins or multiples increase as you age. This is because changes in hormones can cause multiple eggs to release at the same time.
  • Gestational Diabetes: This form of diabetes only occurs during pregnancy, and is more common in women as they age. It is important to treat gestational diabetes while pregnant with diet, exercise, and/or medication to avoid complications such as premature birth, high blood pressure, and more.
  • High Blood Pressure: Also known as preeclampsia, high blood pressure during pregnancy must be monitored by your doctor in order to avoid complications.
  • Premature Birth: Premature babies or babies with a low birth weight are more common for older women.
  • C-Section: Those 35 and older have an overall higher risk of pregnancy complications, which may lead to a C-section delivery.
  • Chromosome Abnormalities: Certain chromosome problems like Down syndrome are more common in babies born to older mothers.
  • Pregnancy Loss: Unfortunately, the risk for miscarriage and stillbirth increases as you age. This may be due to a decrease in egg quality combined with chronic medical conditions that are more common in older women.

MEET DR. ALEX TEPPER

Welcome to my practice. Let me introduce myself and my practice philosophy. I am a board certified OB/GYN in practice for over 20 years and have been a solo-practitioner on the Upper East Side of Manhattan since 2000. All deliveries are performed at The Mount Sinai Medical Center where I went to medical school and at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Specialized Care for Advanced Maternal Age

For pregnant patients over the age of 35, Dr. Tepper will work with you to ensure the best possible outcomes for both you and your baby. This is achieved through different types of specialized care, which may include the following:

  • A professional assessment of the age-related risks to both you and your baby.
  • Early and frequent prenatal appointments to closely monitor your pregnancy.
  • Early detection and treatment of complications such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes.
  • Close monitoring of your baby’s growth and development.
  • A thoroughly planned delivery to prevent the need for a C-section if possible.
  • The option for birth defect screening, testing, and counseling.
  • And more.

FAQs

How can I prevent complications when giving birth after 35?

Discussing your pregnancy with a qualified OB/GYN, seeking regular prenatal care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and having recommended tests to check for abnormalities are multiple ways you can help prevent complications.

Is advanced maternal age the same as geriatric pregnancy?

Yes, they mean the exact same thing.

Are there any benefits of having a baby after 35?

Some of the benefits of having a baby after 35 include the possibility of more financial stability and more life experience.

What are my chances of miscarriage if I am of advanced maternal age?

Your chances of having a healthy baby are higher than they are of having a miscarriage. From 35 to 40, your chances of having a miscarriage are about 20-30%.

How do I take care of myself if I am over 35 and pregnant?

To ensure you're taking care of yourself while pregnant, make sure you go to all your prenatal appointments, manage any preexisting conditions, get as much sleep as you can, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Are more ultrasounds needed for women who are pregnant over 35?

Yes, more ultrasounds may be required for women who are pregnant over 35, especially as they get closer to the due date and if the mother has any preexisting conditions.

Is it harder to get pregnant if you are over 35?

Yes, healthcare providers have found that there is a decline in fertility once women are in their mid-to-late thirties. The quality and quantity of eggs in the ovaries decrease and can make getting pregnant more difficult.

What tests are recommended for an advanced maternal-age pregnancy?

Some of the tests recommended for those who are pregnant and over 35 include genetic screening tests. If an issue is found on a genetic screening test, then an amniocentesis and chronic villus sampling are often recommended.

What are the risks of having a child over the age of 35?

When having a child after the age of 35, there is an increased risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, premature birth, C-sections, chromosomal abnormalities, and miscarriage.

Is birth more painful for women at advanced maternal ages?

No. How painful birth is does not typically depend on the age of the mother.

What does advanced maternal age mean?

Advanced maternal age is a term used to describe pregnant women who are over 35.

How common are chromosomal problems with an over-35 pregnancy?

The chances of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities after the age of 35 do increase, but that doesn't mean the risk is particularly high. For mothers aged 35, the chance is 1 in 353.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Whether you are a new or returning patient, Dr. Tepper can assess your concerns and discuss your options to find the most comfortable and convenient care for you. To get started, call our office to set up an appointment.

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Contact Us to Learn More

If you are considering becoming pregnant or are already pregnant and over 35, contact our office today to schedule an advanced maternal age appointment with Dr. Tepper. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate, professional care to each of our patients to help ensure the quality care you deserve.

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