Advanced Maternal Age (Geriatric Pregnancy) means getting pregnant at the age of 35 or older. There are many women who want to start a family later in life. This is possible but it may need a little more attention during pregnancy. There are some health factors that the mother and baby should know about.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi is a senior IVF specialist and experienced Obstetrician & Gynaecologist. She has helped many women above 35 to become mothers. In this blog, we will explain everything about pregnancy at this age. We will explain its challenges, medical support, and how you can have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
What Is Advanced Maternal Age?
Advanced Maternal Age (AMA) is also called geriatric pregnancy. Advanced Maternal Age (Geriatric Pregnancy), this is a term which is used when a woman gets pregnant at the age of 35 or older. This might sound unusual but it’s a common medical technique to describe pregnancy at a slightly later stage in a woman’s life. This age describes that after 35, fertility starts to slowly decrease and the chances of pregnancy complications may increase. However, there are many women who have healthy pregnancies even after 35 years.
Why Are More Women Choosing Late Pregnancy?
There are many women who choose to become mothers later in life. There are many reasons behind this. One of the most common reasons is career growth. There are many women who want to focus on their jobs, build a stable income, or complete their education before starting a family. There are others who want to wait until they find the right partner or feel emotionally and financially ready to become parents.
Also, there are many helpful fertility treatments and better medical care which are available now. Because of this, there are many women who feel more comfortable having children in their late 30s or even 40s. Nowadays, people’s thinking has also changed and having a baby later in life is more accepted and supported than it was before.
Is It Safe to Get Pregnant After 35?
Yes, it is possible and often safe to get pregnant after the age of 35. However, it may come with some extra risks and care. Women who are above 35 may take a little longer to get pregnant. Additionally, the chances of certain health conditions like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or chromosomal issues like Down syndrome can increase with age.
However many women have healthy pregnancies even after 35 with regular medical checkups, a healthy lifestyle, and support from a good doctor. If you’re planning to conceive after 35 then it’s a good idea to talk to a fertility expert or gynecologist. You can consult Dr. Rita Bakshi to understand your health better and plan your pregnancy safely.
Advanced Maternal Age (Geriatric Pregnancy) Risks
Advanced Maternal Age (Geriatric Pregnancy) refers to pregnancies that occur when a woman is 35 years or older. There are many women who have healthy pregnancies at this age but there are also some risks with Geriatric Pregnancy.
- Increased Risk of Chromosomal Abnormalities: The chances of conditions like Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and other genetic disorders increase as women age. This is because the quality of eggs declines over time.
- Higher Risk of Miscarriage: The risk of miscarriage is higher in older women due to a decrease in egg quality and other factors related to age.
- Gestational Diabetes and High Blood Pressure: Women who are over 35 age are at a higher risk to develop gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia during pregnancy.
- Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight: Older women are at a higher risk of giving birth prematurely. This can also lead to complications such as low birth weight, developmental delays, and respiratory issues for the baby.
- Difficulty Conceiving: Fertility naturally decreases with age, so it might take longer for women over 35 to get pregnant.
- Complications During Labor: Older mothers may face a higher chance of needing a C-section due to complications like fetal issues or difficulty during labor.
Tests and Checkups You May Need
Regular tests and checkups become even more important when you’re pregnant at an older age (Advanced Maternal Age (Geriatric Pregnancy). It helps to make sure you and your baby stay healthy. These help your doctor to watch your pregnancy closely and detect any issues at an early stage.
Here are some common tests and checkups you may need:
- Routine Blood Tests: These check your blood type, hemoglobin levels, sugar levels, and infections like HIV or hepatitis.
- Ultrasound Scans: A detailed scan helps to track your baby’s growth and development. It can also check for birth defects or abnormalities.
- Genetic Screening: Your doctor may also suggest tests like NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing), amniocentesis, or CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) to check for conditions like Down syndrome.
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: Doctors check blood pressure regularly in older women who have a higher chance of high blood pressure or preeclampsia.
- Glucose Tolerance Test: This is done to check for gestational diabetes, which is more common in pregnancies after 35.
- Fetal Monitoring in Later Stages: In the last weeks, doctors may monitor your baby’s heartbeat and movements more closely to make sure everything is fine.
How to Prepare for Pregnancy After 35?
It’s important to prepare for pregnancy after the age of 35 for a healthy and safe journey. There are many women who have successful pregnancies at this age. There are a few steps which you can take to get your body and mind ready.
Here are some simple ways to prepare:
Visit a Doctor First
A pre-pregnancy checkup will help your doctor to understand your health and guide you properly before you try to get pregnant.
Start Taking Folic Acid
Folic acid is a vitamin that helps to prevent birth defects. It’s best to consult your doctor and start taking it at least 3 months before pregnancy.
Eat a Balanced Diet
It’s important to include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats in your diet. Also, avoid junk food and sugary drinks to keep yourself healthy.
Exercise Regularly
It’s important to stay active to help your body to stay strong and prepare it for pregnancy. Additionally, try walking, yoga, or light workouts.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being underweight or overweight can also affect fertility and pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the right weight for you.
Quit Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and drinking can harm fertility and the baby’s health. So, it’s best to stop these before getting pregnant.
Manage Stress
Try relaxing activities like deep breathing, meditation, or reading because stress can affect your health and hormones.
Final Words
We have shared everything about Advanced Maternal Age (Geriatric Pregnancy) to make you understand about this topic more clearly. We explained what it means, why more women are choosing late pregnancy and the risks involved. Additionally, we have also mentioned about the checkups required and how you can prepare if you’re planning a pregnancy after 35.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Obs & Gynae and Senior Fertility Specialist) has supported many women in their late 30s and 40s to have healthy pregnancies. If you’re planning to conceive or have questions about fertility, we’re here to guide you. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at doctor@risaaivf.com.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the geriatric maternal age?
Geriatric maternal age means being 35 years or older when you get pregnant.
What is the new term for geriatric pregnancy?
Instead of “geriatric pregnancy,” doctors now mostly use the term advanced maternal age.
Is pregnancy after 35 considered high risk?
Yes, pregnancy after 35 is considered slightly high risk because of possible health concerns, but many women still have healthy pregnancies with proper care.
Is 38 too late to have a baby?
No, 38 is not too late. Many women have healthy babies in their late 30s or even early 40s. You may just need extra care and regular checkups.
What is the advanced age of pregnancy?
Advanced age in pregnancy usually means 35 years or older when a woman becomes pregnant.