Not so geriatric: How to have a healthy pregnancy after 35

In the not-so-distant past, most women had children early in life, beginning in their late teens and early 20s. These days, it’s not uncommon to wait to have children. While there is some risk associated with pregnancy after 35, you can have a healthy pregnancy.

It’s pretty interesting to consider how things have changed. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the average age of women having their first child reached 27.1 in 2020. These findings represent a significant increase from 1970 when the average first-time mom was only 21.4.

A similar increase in age at first pregnancy is occurring in countries across the world, with many women waiting even later to have children. In the U.S., women age 35 and older now represent nearly 19% of all pregnancies and 11% of all first pregnancies.

Whether you’re considering getting pregnant or already expecting, it's reassuring to know that a wealth of information and support is available to guide you through pregnancy after 35. Learn what you should know about this unique journey and how to keep yourself and your child healthy.

The facts about pregnancy after 35

The numbers show that many women become pregnant at age 35 or older. So-called advanced maternal-age pregnancies are sometimes called “geriatric pregnancies.” It's important to remember that you are not alone in this journey, as many women in your age group are starting or expanding their families.

You aren't alone if you don’t think of yourself as geriatric. Many older women have healthy pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies. Here are four facts about pregnancy after 35 you should know though:

1. It may be harder to get pregnant. Women are born with a specific number of eggs, which decreases monthly after puberty. By the time you reach age 35, you have a limited number of eggs, and those eggs may not be healthy.
2. Your baby is at a higher risk of specific medical issues. Older eggs, along with older sperm, may increase the risk of your child developing health conditions such as Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. There’s also an increased risk of preterm birth or low birth weight.
3. There’s an increased risk of pregnancy complications. Women of advanced maternal age are more likely to develop gestational diabetes and a type of high blood pressure called preeclampsia. There’s also a higher risk of miscarrying or requiring a C-section.
4. You have a greater chance of being a twin mom. Older women are more likely to become pregnant with multiples rather than a single baby. That’s because as your ovaries age, they are more likely to release more than one egg during each ovulation cycle.

While these risks may sound daunting, regular prenatal care can help you keep yourself and your baby safe during pregnancy after 35.

The older mom’s plan for a healthy pregnancy

To increase your chances of having a healthy baby, start long before conception. If you’re considering becoming pregnant, see your OB/GYN for a preconception checkup to ensure you’re in good health and can have a healthy pregnancy.

At this checkup, your provider may suggest you take a prenatal vitamin, including folic acid, to help promote healthy fetal development. There’s evidence that women can help prevent neural tube defects and other congenital disabilities by taking folic acid before and during pregnancy. Depending on your weight, your provider may also recommend losing or gaining weight to reach a healthy pre-pregnancy weight.

During your pregnancy, you’ll need regular prenatal visits. Women of advanced maternal age are often referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist during at least the early months of pregnancy. Screenings are recommended for every expectant mom, but additional screening tests, including genetic testing, may be suggested for older moms.

A screening test using a blood sample can determine if your baby is at risk of certain genetic disorders. If that test shows an increased risk of a genetic disorder or congenital disability, your provider may also recommend testing such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.

The best thing you can do during pregnancy is to take good care of yourself. Your medical providers are there to help, so never hesitate to share your concerns or ask questions.

At Lakeside Hospital, we’re dedicated to caring for moms and babies. Learn about our Women’s Health & Infant Care, including our prenatal classes.