Pregnancy after the age of 35 is a topic that has gained increased attention in recent years. Many women today are choosing to delay having children until later in life, due to various reasons such as pursuing a career, financial stability, or personal choice. However, pregnancy after 35 can present unique challenges and risks.
In this article, we will explore what pregnancy after 35 is called and what you need to know if you are considering or currently experiencing pregnancy at this age.
What Is Pregnancy After 35 Called?
Pregnancy after the age of 35 is often referred to as advanced maternal age pregnancy or simply AMA pregnancy. The reason for this is that as women age, their fertility declines, and the risks associated with pregnancy increase.
Women who become pregnant after the age of 35 are at a higher risk of developing certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and chromosomal abnormalities in their babies. Additionally, there is a higher risk of complications during delivery, such as preterm birth and cesarean delivery.
Despite these risks, many women successfully have healthy pregnancies and babies after the age of 35. However, it is important for women who are considering pregnancy at an advanced maternal age to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss their individual risks and potential complications.
Advanced Maternal Age (AMA)
Advanced maternal age (AMA) is a term used to describe pregnancy in women who are 35 years or older. While women are having children later in life for a variety of reasons, such as pursuing career goals and financial stability, it’s important to note that pregnancy after 35 carries a higher risk for both mother and baby. In this section, we will discuss some of the medical risks associated with pregnancy at an advanced maternal age.
- Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant after 35 are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. This condition can cause high blood sugar levels, which can lead to complications for both mother and baby.
- Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a condition that can develop during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. Women who are pregnant after 35 are at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, which can lead to serious complications, including preterm birth and placental abruption.
- Chromosomal Abnormalities: The risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, increases as a woman gets older. Women who are pregnant after 35 are at a higher risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality. This can lead to additional medical care and emotional stress for both the parents and the child.
- Preterm Birth: Women who are pregnant after 35 are at a higher risk of preterm birth, which is defined as a birth that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation. Preterm birth can lead to a range of health problems for the baby, including respiratory distress syndrome, jaundice, and developmental delays.
- C-Section Delivery: Women who are pregnant after 35 are more likely to have a c-section delivery. This may be due to complications during labor and delivery, such as fetal distress or maternal health concerns.
In summary, advanced maternal age (AMA) is a term used to describe pregnancy in women who are 35 years or older. While many women are successfully able to have healthy pregnancies and babies after 35, it’s important to be aware of the increased medical risks associated with pregnancy at this age. Women who are pregnant after 35 should work closely with their healthcare provider to monitor and manage any potential complications. Regular prenatal care and monitoring can help ensure the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.
Fertility And Pregnancy After 35
As a woman ages, her fertility declines, and the chances of getting pregnant decrease. This decline in fertility is due to a reduction in the number of eggs and the quality of eggs. However, many women are choosing to have children later in life due to various reasons such as pursuing a career or financial stability. In this section, we will discuss fertility and pregnancy after 35 and options for improving fertility.
- Natural Fertility: While a woman’s fertility declines as she ages, it’s still possible to conceive naturally after the age of 35. However, it may take longer to conceive, and the chances of getting pregnant decrease significantly with each passing year. Regular sex, healthy lifestyle habits, and tracking ovulation can increase the chances of getting pregnant naturally.
- Fertility Treatments: Fertility treatments such as ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF) can help improve the chances of getting pregnant after 35. These treatments help overcome issues related to infertility, such as low ovarian reserve, hormonal imbalances, or blocked fallopian tubes. However, these treatments can be expensive, time-consuming, and can carry some risks.
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Assisted reproductive technology (ART) refers to advanced fertility treatments that involve manipulation of eggs or sperm in the laboratory. ART includes techniques such as IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and donor eggs or sperm. These treatments are often recommended for women who are over 35 and have a low ovarian reserve, previous failed fertility treatments, or medical conditions that affect fertility.
- Risks and Benefits of Fertility Treatments: While fertility treatments can increase the chances of getting pregnant after 35, they carry some risks. Some of the risks associated with fertility treatments include multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). It’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits of fertility treatments and discuss them with a healthcare provider.
In summary, fertility and pregnancy after 35 are possible, but they come with some challenges. Women who are planning to have children after 35 should talk to their healthcare provider and discuss the options for improving fertility. With the right medical care, lifestyle habits, and support, women can have successful pregnancies and healthy babies after the age of 35.
Emotional Considerations
Emotional considerations are an important aspect of any pregnancy, but they can be particularly relevant for women who are pregnant after the age of 35. Pregnancy can be a time of great joy, but it can also be accompanied by stress, anxiety, and fear, especially for women who may have concerns about their age or the increased risks associated with advanced maternal age.
It is important for women to take care of their emotional health during pregnancy, and seek support if necessary. This can include talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking counseling or therapy, or joining a support group for women who are pregnant after 35.
Women may also need to consider how pregnancy after 35 may impact their emotions and relationships with partners, family, and friends. For example, partners may have concerns about their ability to support a pregnancy and raise a child, while family and friends may have different opinions or expectations about pregnancy and childbirth.
It is important for women to communicate openly and honestly with their loved ones, and establish a support network that can help them navigate the emotional challenges of pregnancy after 35. This may include enlisting the help of a partner, family member, or friend to attend prenatal appointments or assist with daily tasks.
In summary, emotional considerations are an important aspect of pregnancy after 35, and women should take steps to prioritize their emotional health and seek support when needed. By addressing emotional challenges proactively and establishing a strong support network, women can have a positive and fulfilling pregnancy experience, regardless of their age.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pregnancy after 35, also known as advanced maternal age pregnancy, is becoming more common among women. While it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery after 35, there are increased risks and challenges that need to be considered.
It is important for women to work closely with their healthcare provider and make lifestyle changes to minimize these risks and ensure a healthy pregnancy. By being informed and proactive, women can enjoy a successful and fulfilling pregnancy after the age of 35.
