Advanced maternal age
Advanced maternal age is when a woman who is pregnant is 35 years old or older. This age is considered "advanced" because it is known to increase the risks for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy.
When a woman gets older, her body changes in many ways. For example, her ovaries (the organs that make eggs) may not work as well, which can make it harder to get pregnant. If she does get pregnant, she is more likely to have health problems during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.
The risk for the baby also increases with advanced maternal age. There is a higher chance of miscarriage, stillbirth, and certain birth defects. The baby may also be born too early or too small, which can cause health problems later in life.
To help reduce these risks, women who are planning to have a baby and are over 35 years old should speak with their healthcare provider to discuss any risks and steps they can take to have a healthy pregnancy. This may include lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. Additionally, some women may need specialized care during pregnancy or may need to deliver their baby earlier than the due date to reduce the risks.
When a woman gets older, her body changes in many ways. For example, her ovaries (the organs that make eggs) may not work as well, which can make it harder to get pregnant. If she does get pregnant, she is more likely to have health problems during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.
The risk for the baby also increases with advanced maternal age. There is a higher chance of miscarriage, stillbirth, and certain birth defects. The baby may also be born too early or too small, which can cause health problems later in life.
To help reduce these risks, women who are planning to have a baby and are over 35 years old should speak with their healthcare provider to discuss any risks and steps they can take to have a healthy pregnancy. This may include lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. Additionally, some women may need specialized care during pregnancy or may need to deliver their baby earlier than the due date to reduce the risks.
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