What is advanced maternal age?

What is advanced maternal age?

Advanced maternal age is a medical term to describe people who are over age 35 during pregnancy. Pregnancies have an increased risk for certain complications when the birth parent is 35 or older. Some of these complications are higher rates of miscarriage, genetic disorders, and certain pregnancy complications like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes.

Advanced maternal age pregnancy isn't treated much differently than a typical pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may suggest prenatal testing and monitor you more closely. Being mindful of your pregnancy symptoms and staying healthy becomes even more important when you're over age 35 because your risk for chronic conditions increases.

Despite these risks, people can have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies after 35.