Advanced age and pregnancy

It's never too late to start your family!

Becoming pregnant after the age of 35 puts women into a category that is a growing trend. The pregnancy rate for mothers over 35 is significantly rising. For some reason, researchers and medical professionals have chosen 35 to be the magical age for classifying a woman as "advanced maternal age".

Risks

Pregnancy at any age does not come risk free. After the age of 35, there are additional concerns that need to be kept in mind during pregnancy. Most mothers feel that the risks associated with becoming pregnant after age 35 are secondary to the benefits of starting a family of their own.

As a woman's age increases, her chances of conceiving decrease. However, once a woman has become pregnant, the risks of carrying a child with a birth defect are higher. For instance, the odds of having a child with Down Syndrome at age 20 is 1 in 10,000, about 1 in 1,000 for the 35-year old mother and approximately 1 in 100 for 40-year old mothers. Every woman is born with a certain number of eggs and as the woman gets older, so do her eggs. The mother's eggs have been exposed to more x-rays, illnesses, drugs, etc throughout the years. However, both the woman's eggs and the father's sperm can be responsible for any birth defects that the child is born with.

Down Syndrome and other birth defects can be diagnosed during pregnancy through prenatal testing. Diagnostic testing is routine in mothers over the age of 35 and should an abnormality be discovered, the parents must decide whether to proceed with the pregnancy. Doctors, genetic counselors, pediatricians, maternal-fetal specialists and other medical professionals are available to help with this tough, life-changing decision.

Older mothers also have a higher chance of developing pregnancy-related complications. Women that are 35 and over are more likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The chances of suffering a miscarriage, preterm labor or postpartum hemorrhage increase as age increases as well. Although nothing can be ruled out for anyone, regardless of age, women that are in overall good health and receive regular prenatal care are less likely to experience these conditions.

Benefits

Although there are risks associated with becoming pregnant after the age of 35, there are also benefits. Medical science has come along way and the risks associated with advanced maternal age are lower and less complicated than they once were. Technology allows for easier testing and earlier diagnosis of potential birth defects.

Older mothers have improved the odds for themselves when it comes to lowering these risks. Because of the increased risks of complications, mothers of advanced age are usually more likely to eat healthy, exercise throughout pregnancy and receive early, quality prenatal care. When a pregnant mother makes an effort to minimize or eliminate the odds of conceiving a child with birth defects, she can take years off of her pregnancy profile. Due to this, an older woman can have just as good of a chance of delivering a healthy baby as a younger mother.

More than half of older mothers have college degrees and are career-oriented. Generally, women of advanced maternal age have met their educational and career goals, making them financially secure. Older mothers have usually been settled in their lives, relationship and have a certain stability that younger mothers may not have had the chance to accomplish. It has been theorized that the mothers of advanced age make great parents because of their stability and maturity. Because older mothers have had time to themselves, they are less likely to feel bogged down with the daily demands of raising a child. Studies have shown that mothers with advanced age were more likely to demonstrate patience and other qualities that were beneficial to the development of a young child.

Complications and Concerns

There are risks and concerns associated with advanced maternal age. Of course, not all expectant women will experience complications during their pregnancy. Prenatal tests and screenings can diagnose complications early so that you and your caregiver can make informed choices early in the pregnancy. Although all pregnant women are capable of developing complications during pregnancy, the following list shows the possible complications that mothers over the age of 35 are more likely to face.

Down Syndrome
Decreased fetility
Twins or multiples
High blood pressure
Gestational diabetes
Arthritis
Preterm labor
Miscarriage
Placental abruption
Placenta previa
Low-birthweight baby
Higher caesarean rate
Higher chance of maternal death
Stillbirth
Ectopic pregnancy
Birth defects

Advanced Paternal Age

Alongside with advanced maternal age, there are slight risks associated when the father of the conceived child is older. In the past, it was believed that the father of a baby was limited to fertilization. However, recent studies have shown that father's of advanced age are more likely to have abnormalities in their sperm that produce a child with birth defects, like Down Syndrome. Once a man is of advanced age, his sperm have had greater exposure to environmental hazards and may contain altered or damaged genes. Men also work in occupations that expose them to higher environmental hazards and stress levels. In recent studies, 25% of Down syndrome cases can be traced to the father.

Women who are over the age of 35 are considered to be of advanced maternal age. However, it seems that men are labeled advanced paternal age when they reach 40. At this time there is no universally accepted age to determine advanced paternal age, but 40 is the age that genetic counselors base their information on. Because older men are generally married to older women, it is often hard to determine which parent is responsible for contributing an altered gene or chromosome. A woman that conceives a child with a man of advanced age, has a slightly higher chance of experiencing a miscarriage.

The question of whether or not birth defects can be linked to advanced paternal age remains mainly unanswered. Researchers do think there is a connection, but the connection is slight. Genetic counselors and obstetricans can offer advice and further testing if there is any concern regarding complications due to advanced paternal age.

Comments: Advanced age and pregnancy

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gretch - 54 days ago.
SJC - Call your doctor and ask why. Go straight to the source. We can give you some ideas but your doctor will have the exact reason and will remove worry with a call. I get a zillion scans because I am over 40. I love it because I get to see the baby often.

SJC - 54 days ago.
Hi guys. Wondering if you have any ideas about this - I am aged 41, in England and we normally have scans at 12wks and 20wks. I had thoses scans and a CVS done and CVS results were all clear for Downs etc. The 20 wk scan was all fine, no anomolies and bang on date etc!. At my consultant appt yesterday I was told I would be having a scan at 28wks, 34wks and 38/40 wks. I was so confused I didnt ask any questions about this but why would I need extra scans - I am sooo worried!

calileo98 - 62 days ago.
titangoddess - Thanks for the advice. I agree with you that I will just take things a step at a time - pregnancy is a blessing, and I really feel like I am able to appreciate it even more now that I'm a little older - =) Here's to hoping I get to 'appreciate it' again soon! :)

titangoddess - 62 days ago.
Dhrcheercoach~ I am a few days from 40 and 12 weeks pg. You can read my blog on my site for the whole thing but this PG should never had happened and if it can happen to me it can happen to you. Babydust. SM1109~ Girl, you're cool. It will happen, I am sure of that. Always look at it as you are practicing to get PG and not that you aren't. Calileo~ I had my son a few months before my 35th and I had no one mention any tests at all to me. I had the triple screen which turned out great but that is about it. I dont think that doctors really start the 'old age' thing to a bit later on down the road so no worries. Me, I am up for any and all tests I can have done that are non-evasive. If any of those tests show a chance of something life altering for the baby I will get the next step of tests. I believe everyone has a right to decide what you are willing to do and what you are willing to have your child live through. I just believe that the choice is not mine solely and if I am willing to get PG I am willing to make sure baby has a healthy start to life. My two cents and mine only. I am not stepping on toes here. Just my view. Good luck to all you ladies. Having a baby at this age is not the hardest thing in the world so dont read too much into what others say.

sm1109 - 62 days ago.
Hi ladies, well this past month was my first try after m/c at 18wks. BFN :( AF showed up yesterday.... so after my day of a major meltdown I am back to tracking for my next try in 2 weeks. My 40th is this Thursday was really hoping for good news this weekend.... but maybe October. BABY DUST TO ALL OF US!!!!!!

calileo98 - 65 days ago.
Hi Ladies! Well, this will be month one for me ttc in 'Advanced maternal age' WHAT?! I'm still confused by how turning 35 a month ago all of the sudden changes things so drastically for me (medically speaking). I have a 13 year old daughter, an 11 year old daughter and a 15 month old daughter, so we are hoping for a boy this time, though a healthy baby of any gender will be fine by me. I have no idea yet how I'm going to handle an amnio recommendation or any of that stuff. Had a little scare this last pg, as I had a single umbilical artery with her, but she is just fine and dandy. Though I was freaked out through a long period of my pregnancy and hope to not have any of those kinds of scares again. I'm glad to have found you ladies again... guess I'll hobble over to my rocking chair and hope for the best in my ol' age. haha =)

Chrissys4babies - 70 days ago.
I have to agree..I am soon to be 42..I never did the screens due to the chance of a false positive..The odds were too high..I am a worrywart..I just gave birth to a very healthy baby girl at 41(my 4th child)...At 39 had my 3rd baby..a son..also healthy ..they were both early ..Aidan 28 weeks..Sophia..just 3 weeks early..For me..the chance that it would be a false pos. was too much..I wouldn't have opted for any 'permanent' rx... For me,it was the right choice.Wishing all the AMA moms healthy and happy babies!!

gretch - 71 days ago.
Amnio results are back: Baby is fine and a little boy. Massive relief. Especially, after a poor first trimester screen. My recommendation for the over 40 crowd: skip the screen and get the anmio if results matter and would cause decisions to be made. Screen is not diagnostic and causes much anxiety if 'positive'. You end up getting the amnio anyway.

valentina322 - 79 days ago.
hello ladies I am 43 yrs old and 19 weeks pregnant. when I had ny NT scan the sono part came back perfect but my blood work wasn't it showed 1/55 for down and 1/1101 for tri. I had the amnio done and my fish results came back great and my finak panel came back perfectly normal baby boy. I read and read alot about all the tests and complications that come with them. I felt the amnio was the right thing for me. it's all up to you whether or not you want to have these tests done. If you feel you will not terminate the pregnancy regardless then why bother to go through it. I wish you all the best of luck.

titangoddess - 79 days ago.
SM1109~ Oh thanks for your story of experience. I am so sorry to hear about your little girl. I hope this ttc is fast as lightening for you and you get your little bean soon. Babydust to you lady!

sm1109 - 80 days ago.
titangoddess - I agree! I was 18 weeks pg back in June. I scheduled the amnio then cancelled and then scheduled again. I had had my 1st Tri screen and got a 1/48 for T21. When I got my FISH results I was told baby was downs. That same night I had a ob appt and during the US we found out we had lost her (no heartbeat). When we got the screen results my gut said everything was fine - but my DH talked me into getting peace of mind. (I am so glad I had the amnio) I am glad I knew the reason for the loss. The tests are not for everyone, but knowing is key for me. I research everything! We are trying again this month and will be back at the screens and tests once I get a BFP!!! Best wishes and baby dust to all of you :)

gretch - 82 days ago.
I just got back from the amnio that didn't happen but am actually pretty happy. After a rather dire first trimester screen, today's ultrasound (where they determined the amniotic sac was not fully attached to my uterus as of yet) looked really good. Baby is growing right on target and has a really good heartbeat. Brain, limbs and profile look good. Doctor was quite reassuring (as he can be realistically without the diagnostic results) abouth Trisomy 13/18. I have a statistical chance of 1/16 for Trisomy 13/18 based on the screen. Downs chance is minimal. The amnio will be done on Friday 9/4 (if the membrane is attached at this time). Agree with titangoddess - facts are friends - and that will be the amnio. But a good ultrasound is a good thing!

titangoddess - 82 days ago.
Hey Ladies... well I see alot of advice on just go with your instincts. I hate to say this but instincts may not be all that for everyone. To be really sure you need to be active with your doctors and research your hind ends off. It is a fact that older women have more problems with pregnancy and with defects. We can not control that. If you are willing to be pregnant at an advanced age then you need to be realistic about what you could expect. Not saying to drive yourself insane over it but pretending these issues don't apply to you is not the answer either. There are several tests they can do well before you need to consider amnio or CVS. The best way to take on adv anced aged pregnancy is to be open minded and educated. Read read read... if there was no reason for doctors to be concerned they would not worry us needlessly. Like it or not it is a fact that more genetic problems exist but with proper care those problems can be handled or at the least minimizes by basic information and the power to explore that. Babydust to all...

bsyqnb - 85 days ago.
nursylori~ welcome to IAP! Good for you! Hope we get to see pictures of your new addition!

nursylori - 85 days ago.
Hello everyone. I am 37 and my husband is 40 and we are about to become first time parents. I am 31 weeks pregnant and very excited about the upcoming birth of our baby boy.

robbronkim - 87 days ago.
Need some thoughts from others that is 40 or older. I am hitting 40 yr mark this next month. We have a big family, I love children. Never really thought about doing the birth control thing or even getting fixed. It just felt so wrong. I always wonder what if its Gods will. But are youngest DD is now 19mth and I so know that I could become pregnant. We don't mind. Kids don't mind. But I get scared that I could end up bring a child into the world with Downs or something else. But also I just feel that I have not abused my body by exposing it to elements that would affect my eggs. But reading these things. What do you think the chances are. Last finger blood tests that I had 29mths ago. Would be so significant. I am just thinking logically. I shouldn't worry. Than I started tracking my AF once they started after stopping breastfeeding DD. Which have started getting regular 28days for the last 4 months. But this month I got it right on time but it came heavy with clotting and it lasted 13 days that way then started to round off to end today is 16days, Doctor says that It could be a cleansing AF. If it doesn't happen next month than okay. But what is this. Did I MC and not know or has anyone ever heard of a cleansing period like this or is this part of getting older? God I'm confused. Please message my page. I sure need some insight. Thanks ladies

Alicia123 - 89 days ago.
Hi Ladies, Just wanted to offer some words of encouragement and support. I am 39 and 2 weeks ago today I gave birth to our beautiful daughter Alessandra. We already have 2 boys Noah age 12 and Luca 9. While I was pregnant I heard all the time from people...was this pregnancy an accident...etc etc...and my comment was of course not...we wanted her before she was conceived. I have to say my Dr was very supportive and often said that he sees ladies in their 40's having their first. I have to admit I am more tired than I was when I first had my boys, but also much more relaxed. I don't rush about with things now and realize what a miracle a child really is. Keep positive and baby dust to everyone.

beckybear - 89 days ago.
Hi ladies, I didn't realize this board was so active lately. I am 37, and I got PG for the first time last year and M/C at 11 weeks. Been trying since then to get PG again, but so far no luck. I hope to be joining you all here sometime soon. I will say that my OB never treated me like a special case and only once mentioned the higher risk due to my age. Don't let age alone hold you back from PG and don't feel pressured to do invasive tests if you don't want them.

gretch - 90 days ago.
We just got the results back onour first trimester screen. Downs was fine. Trisomy 13/18 was not. A 1:16 probability. This was a bit of a damper on the pregrancy which so far has had no issues and good ultrasounds. The bloodwork and my age were the big factors in the result. Amnio is scheduled for 8/31 to see how the proababilites play out. We are hoping for the best.

tracey316 - 90 days ago.
Well I did switch my OB and I go to the new one tomorrow. My test came back with a 1-180 chance for downs which is less then 1% . We don't want the amino and we feel good with that. I'm hoping and praying for a good 20wk scan which I will actually be 21 wks when I have it on 9/10. Wish me luck with lots of prayers:)

ragtopgirl - 90 days ago.
I'm 42, my son is 18 months old and I'm 7 weeks preggo as of today! When I was preggo last time the Genetics center that I was sent to for counseling suggested CVS and amnio. I decided that If the regular blood tests came back normal that I was not going to subject myself to all the risks with the other tests. everything was fine so i declined. This time I'm sure the same thing will happen. If the blood test suggest an issue, then maybe I'll consider amnio. good luck to all

RobinG - 90 days ago.
tracey316 ~ dont let the doc bring you down. My doc wanted an amnio and I said no. Every time I was asked I repeated no. Let them push all you want, if you dont want it dont have it. They cant make you no matter how hard they try. I am 42 now and had my 3rd at 40. I had the NT scan and refused the quad screeen. The quad screen is often wrong or gives false positives to advanced aged moms. I had the NT scan along with the PAPP-A blood test (finger tip blood) and that was all I needed. Even if an amnio is less then 1% risk it wasnt a risk I wanted to take because what if that 1% was me?? DH and I decide we'd only consider am amnio if my baby showed signs in a scan that could be fatal. Unless you are deciding to terminate or not I see no reason for an amnio. Scans are VERY good now adays and they can tell from it if there is a serious concern to warrant am amnio. docs for us older moms to be can be very pushy, dont let them convince you to do something you really dont want to do. It is YOUR choice, not theirs :) (())

michelle007 - 91 days ago.
Hello Mommies!!! Maybe that's what it is worry! I worry that something will go wrong, or not turn out right. I went to a parinatal to recieve an amnieo but after seeing my baby boy on the sono and ultra I opted not to because everything looked Great and why take the risk and at this late date really no reason. I guess because my last pregnancy went so well and this one has been just one thing after another. I've also have been feeling sick but I think it could be allergies. I think most of my problem is just stress. I will talk to my Doc on Wed. Hope and Pray for all Mommies!!!

goingfor3 - 91 days ago.
Alright - I just turned 35 in July. I am seeing a new ob and she handed me the advanced age crap... I told her that I do NOT want to be classified as high risk, I don't want any extra testing, all that nonsense! So far the pg is going perfect (8 weeks) u/s was perfect and my mommy instinct says all is perfect. I hate this oh you turned 35 junk!

tracey316 - 91 days ago.
I'm tired too! but mine I think is because I can't get back to sleep after my 2am bathroom run to pee. I hope all of you are having a nice and relaxing Sunday:) I'm recovering from my daughter's 3rd b-day party yesterday- woo hoo it is done lol