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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bellas-mum - 247 days ago.
CelticBabe2009 -I choose to have the NT scan to prepare myself n family if something was wrong with bubs like downs,i wanted to know everything about it b4 bubs was born,we had never once even thought about not keeping bub if anything was wrong,thanfully nothing was wrong.im now 36 i will be 37 when the new bub arrives but to me its like doing up the nursery you want to be prepared for bub,I wish you all the best.

bwylestar - 247 days ago.
Hi everyone. I'm so excited to finally have found this place :) My name is Holly. I am 36 and I'll be 37 in July. This baby is due November 14th. I'm almost six weeks along. I have my first Dr. Appt. March 23rd. I also have one son who will be 16 by the time this bundle of joy arrives. I am so looking forward to getting to know you ladies:)

Ange - 248 days ago.
hi all, i should be having my amnio on tuesday. i will be 16 weeks 5 days. I hope all goes well. just a bit nervous. :)

juicy - 255 days ago.
Dear CelticBabe2009, I'm 43 yrs old, currently 24 weeks. Had two previous miscarriages over last few years. Last pregnancy ended in ectopic, so this time when I bacame pregnant, I was able to get in to see my OB right away because of the high chance of another ectopic, that's when they found my progesterone to be 0.1 that's next to nothing. So right away she put me on prometrium 250mg @ bedtime intil 12 weeks and @ that time the placenta took over and everything went fine. She also told me that could have been why I had the other miscarriages because of low progesterone. I too was worried but she new what she was talking about. Also their is still a chance of miscarriage but not because of your progesterone, but because of other abnormalities that may be present. I had the Alpha Fetal Screen and the CVS testing done and so far eveything is going beautifully. Good luck and God Bless

mjb - 255 days ago.
It is nice have found this forum. I just recently turn 39 and 7 weeks along. I miscarraged last year so i am find these early days really stressful.

CelticBabe2009 - 256 days ago.
What a wonderful place to find! I have been looking for women who have 'more life experience' like myself and who are pregnant in my weeks, but it has been hard. I am 37 and have a 2 year old, have had one miscarriage, and I am almost 11 weeks with the current one. I have so many questions, as I don't personally know anyone my age with a young family...My husband doesn't want to do the blood draw and the ultrasound since we know we are going through with the pregnancy. I want to be prepared and have the option of surgical intervention if there should be heart or other problems, so I want to do it. He doesn't believe me that they can do surgery in the womb, so he is still dragging his feet, and I am running out of time to schedule the test. Also, has anyone been on progesterone? I miscarried last time and took a long time to get pregnant because my progesterone was low. Now I am on supplements for 13(?) weeks. I am not sure how the "weaning off" works. Can I still miscarry once I am off?

Keznutter - 257 days ago.
Azangel, I agree with you, I'll be 39 in July and my children are going to be 17 & 8 in April & my little girl is due 5 May. I'm a little worried that I'm not going to know what to do, or that I'll have a problem breastfeeding, etc., but I'm sure it will all come back to me. Good luck ladies.

DaynaG - 259 days ago.
hello, everyone I am 42 and about 4 weeks, I have children 19,18, 4, and 11 months. I a little happy and a little crazy right now, just found out today. I have that smoking problem too, so I am trying to quit, this makes me even more crazy.

luu - 261 days ago.
Hi, I had an amnio just over a week ago as I am expecting identical twins, I had it at 18 weeks pregnant as my nuchal tests were good but I needed some reassurance as I was expecting two. The risk of miscarriage at 18 weeks went down to 1/1000. The procedure was very quick and simple, the build up it the worse! The babies were scanned and a suitable place to take the fluid away from them was located, they were continually scanned whilst it was done. I looked away from the needle, it just felt like having a blood test but perhaps through a muscle rather than a vein. It took about 2 minutes if that. My stomach felt hard and a little achy but I took it easy for the next two days. I ached a little but didn't need to take any pain relief. I had my results after 3 days and the initial tests for downs etc are fine. Good luck with yours!

Three4me - 261 days ago.
Hello everybody! I'm 39 years old and pregnant with my third child due in September, I'm 13 weeks pregnant and for the first time I'll take an amniocentesis test which I didn't accept with my first 2 children who by the way are 4 years old and 14 months old. I'm really excited and scared at the same time, life is crazy as it is with 2 children under the age of 5 and I don't know how I'm gonna do with a third but I'm really grateful at the same time to have this miracle growing inside me. Is anybody here who already had an amnio done? What can I expect? How does it feel like? Thanks in advance for any input and happy pregnancy to all!

sarahc - 263 days ago.
hi there. im nearly 39 and am having my second baby in october. i still cant believe im classed as an older mum! anyone else feel like that?! lol. congrats to all of you and good luck!

babystanton - 264 days ago.
Hi mommies! After 3 1/2 years of trying we had our son last May and it was the most amazing experience ever!!! I just turned 35 in January & I am really enjoying being a F/T stay at home mommy to our little 10 month old. (I can't believe he's 10 months already!) Anyway, I don't have insurance at the moment and my hubby is going to add me to his insurance plan in Sept. and we are planning to start trying again for baby #2. Well, I am currently 2 days late with my period and as I feel excited about this...... I am also a nervous wreck. Being that I am w/o insurance and we can't qualify for medicaid (too much $$) I am concerned. I am going to take a test to ease my mind. Is anyone else nervous about being over 35 and being preggo?

imdondee - 264 days ago.
Hi ladies I am 45 with two grown children ages 20/23 and a grand baby age 4. Believe me this was not planned. My mate was SUPPOSE to be sterile, but i learned how effective a vasectomy is. I am currently 19 weeks and have adjusted somewhat. Im looking forward to baby, but it has made me make a change in my lifestyle. I am happy to say though that this baby will benefit more than my boys did financially and i believe that has a lot to do with age and maturity. God makes no mistakes.

cupcake uk - 266 days ago.
Hi there - I am 38 and live in the UK, I am 13 weeks pregnant after 4 long and hard years of IVF!!! We were starting to think it would never happen to us...!!!! Re: 35+ Downs Risk - We cannot get the more acurate (90%) Nuchal Scan and Protein Plasma blood screening test on the NHS at my chosen hospital, so we are paying for a private scan and test... I will still have the later Downs blood test with the NHS hospital at 16 weeks too. We decided we did not want the Amniocentesis or the CVS as we are too concerned about the miscarriage risk.... Whatever the outcomes we will still continue with the pregnancy.....

Tint - 266 days ago.
Hi Ladies, I am 41 and having my first baby. I live in Los Angeles, California and it is almost the norm here to have kids in your late 30's, early 40's. All of my friends, including myself only start trying when we are close to 40. It just makes sense to all of us who have careers and travel and we don't see our age as a risk. I have had all the possible tests including a CVS and my little girl is healthy. It's a blessing and since I am more mature at my age and financially secure, I am loving my pregnancy. I say Congratulations to ALL advanced aged moms! Enjoy it while you can.

bonitababy01 - 266 days ago.
Hello Ladies, my name is Tracy. I am 8 weeks and 3 days preggo.I am 39 yrs old ( 40 at time of birth) Its a wonderful feeling that there are many of us late age preggers out there. i had childern in my 20's and 30's----21,19 and 10. never thought i would be pregant again.For the most part i am very healthly--except that a smoke--about a pack a day--i have cut way down to only 4 or 5 a day--wanting to quit so bad as i know this is very bad for the baby. does anyone have any suggestions---help please!!!!!

nicnmicsmom - 267 days ago.
res- I 'second' your sentiments. I had two children in my late 20's and I am MUCH more financially secure, more patient, more at ease now being pregnant at 39 than I ever was back then. I find I have very little in common with the 'girls' who are having babies in their 20's

luu - 267 days ago.
I decided to have the amnio and have had my results back and they are all clear, it is a great relief and I can now concentrate of the rest of my pregnancy. The test only took a few minutes and was like having a blood test taken through a muscle, I had a few light cramps the following day but took it easy and now feel fine. It was a difficult choice to make but I am glad I did!

res - 267 days ago.
Hi ladies! I will give birth to our little baby boy in July, and I will have turned 41 by then. We got married later in life, adnI had my first ( my precious little girl) at age 39. If all goes well, we have talked about trying to have a 3rd. So, age is no barrier. I feel that I am at a great age to be a mom. I am more patient, more financially secure, and more mature than I ever was in my 20's and early 30's. I take good care of myself, and I see no reason why a woman in her 40's shouldn't have children.

Abigails Mommy - 271 days ago.
Good morning! Hope all our AMA's are doing well!

knocketup - 272 days ago.
I am 38 and have an 18 year old and 11 year old. We found out 2 weeks after my son graduated from high school that I was pregnant. We had to have surgery to get my daughter due to my endometriosis. I was told another baby was probably never going to happen for us again. Well... 11 years of no birth control I concieved. I am schedualed for a csec on the 6th of March. I wish you all the best!

PreggersAgainYippee - 273 days ago.
I had my NT scan done on Friday. I decided if NT was less than 2.5 and all other measurements were normal I would stick with the sequential blood draw. If greater than 2.5, I was ready to proceed with the CVS. Well, as it turns out, the NT showed 1.05 (twin a) and 1.14 (twin b) and nasal bone was seen, which is absolutely great, so I opted for the blood test. I should hear what my preliminary numbers for chomosomal problems are this week and then again the final risk at 16 weeks. If something changes based on preliminary, I can always opt for CVS until end of next week, or I can go for the amnio at 16 wks.

luu - 273 days ago.
With my pregnancy I chose to have a CVS as this was my fourth child and I felt I needed to know that it would be healthy. Unfortunately I was not able to have the CVS as there were twins, my consultant did a nuchal and the results were good with nasal bone present and nuchal of 1.7, my risks on my age alone is 1/29 but the adjusted risk with bloods and scan was 1/976 I know that this is a good result and my consultant did not recommend an amnio but I initially didnt want a nuchal as I feel you have a false sense of security and you can always be that 1 in 976. I was referred to UCH hospital in london as they specialise in twins and have discovered they are identical sharing the same placenta, they have recommended that I wait until I am 18 weeks and return for a scan and if I want to go ahead with an amnio the risks go down to 1/1000 at this time of pregnancy. I still am not sure what I should do as although I do not want to lose the babies I also do not want to bring up two babies with downs syndrome as it would be too difficult with the family already. I am going along the lines that the risks taken are the same for miscarriage or downs so perhaps I should have the test to know for sure? Any experience from anyone? I am 43 and these babies were a complete suprise! I know that I should be happy that the combined results show low risk as some people have higher risks

lulu4969 - 274 days ago.
they say i,ve won the lottary ... 46 and concieved naturally .I 14 weeks pregnant and i,m still alittle scared to be excited .I have three other children sons 24 ,20 and 17 .Did have some bleeding in 12th week but ultra sound looks good the drs say still having brown when i wipe but that is normal they say .I,m going to have secound ultrasound march 30 really can,t wait to be reliefed again see our baby moving all over screen and maybe the sex this time . All test have come out good so far will keep you inform

maha55 - 274 days ago.
Hi ALL Just a reminder ..age is no barrier!!!! My baby girl (no. 3 child) is 4 months now...born AT HOME IN THE WATER LOTUS BIRTH ..I was and am 46 years of age!!! ALL perfect..she is healthy, bright, happy and a real gem/joy/love of our lives.... trust..surrender..NO FEAR!!!