When we are in our thirties, we consider ourselves young. But when we get pregnant (or are trying to conceive) after age 35, medical terms like “geriatric pregnancy” or “advanced maternal age,” aka AMA, become a shocking reality. According to the National Vital Statistic Reports released last year, the percentage of women over 30 was higher than those 25-29, and there has also been a 5% increase for two years for women having children between 35-39 and in their early 40s. But, when we fall into this category and choose to embark on this journey, there are some things that we, as expectant mothers, should keep in mind.
Why The Terms Advanced Maternal Age and Geriatric Pregnancy Are Used
The most significant decline in women’s fertility happens in our mid-to-late 30s. This means that the quality and quantity of eggs within our ovaries decrease with age. Although these things can make pregnancy after 35 seem more challenging, having a healthy and happy pregnancy after 35 is possible.
Black Women and Maternal Health Risks
According to the CDC, we are three times more likely to pass away from pregnancy-related causes than white women. The Mayo Clinic reported that for Black women 25 and older, pregnancy-related mortality is nearly four times higher than it is for their white counterparts. This gap in mortality can be attributed to many things, including quality healthcare, chronic conditions, implicit bias, and structural racism.
Editor’s Note: This is one of the reasons the Birth Justice movement is vital in our community. It is trying to save lives. Check out this critical interview with Jennie Joseph, Founder of Commonsense Childbirth.Â
What Are the Risk Factors?
AMA pregnancies can include numerous risk factors. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the risk of the following may be increased:
- Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure, protein in urine, swelling, headaches, and blurred vision.
- Â Gestational diabetes is a condition in which women develop high blood sugar during pregnancy.
- Premature birth is when a birth takes place before the 37th week of pregnancy.
- Low birth weight is when babies weigh less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces.
- Â Miscarriage is the loss of a fetus before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Genetic disorders: with age, the chances of having a child with conditions such as Down syndrome increase.
- Cesarean section (c-section) is the delivery of a baby through surgical incisions made in the abdomen and uterus.
- Stillbirth is when a fetus is lost after the 20th week of pregnancy.
How We Should Take Care of Ourselves If We Are Pregnant After 35
A significant aspect of a healthy AMA pregnancy is how we look after ourselves and lean on our support systems. According to the Cleveland Clinic, we can do a few things to make the journey much easier. These include:
- Maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy.
- Attend all prenatal appointments and screenings.
- Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
- Reduce stress and maintain a good sleep schedule.
- Manage any preexisting or new pregnancy conditions.
When creating an exercise and diet plan, we should consult with our healthcare professionals to ensure their practices are safe for us and our babies.
Choosing Our Prepartum and Postpartum Team
An AMA pregnancy can be an exciting journey requiring a trusted team of medical professionals. We will most likely encounter obstetrician-gynecologists and nurse practitioners, but all medical teams are not identical, according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). During an AMA pregnancy, our obstetric care team can consist of many people besides an ob-gyn. For instance, midwives, doulas, and specialists may also be helpful. This process is holistic, and medical care teams are designed to provide information and support for us. This can extend to postpartum care, as mending the effects of pregnancy and its potential complications can be long-term.
Check out this Decision Decoder story for more information on choosing a birth team.
We Can’t Forget to Advocate for Ourselves
The CDC suggests taking action if any of the following occurs during pregnancy after 35:
- Talk to a healthcare provider if anything does not feel right.
- Know and seek immediate care if experiencing any urgent warning signs such as severe headaches, extreme swelling, complications with breathing, heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge, extreme fatigue, and more.
- Share recent pregnancy history during each medical care visit for up to one year after delivery.
- Connect with healthcare and social support systems during all stages of pregnancy, including postpartum.
If there are any complications within your pregnancy journey, these tips can help you to get ahead of the complications, especially if they are life-threatening.
Now that caution has been dispersed, we should remember that Advanced Maternal Age pregnancy is not only warning signs and frightful tales. It is also a journey of life lessons and joy. Giving birth after 35 is amazing, and it is possible with proper practices and care. So, hold your head high and embrace the journey.
