The decision to start or grow a family after the age of 35 can be exciting and incredibly rewarding. But it can also bring concerns about one’s biological clock or physical health.
For women considering or beginning their journey into the beautiful experience of an advanced maternal age pregnancy, understanding the possible mental and physical risks, as well as the benefits, can help to empower them to make informed choices for themselves and their child along the way.
Understanding Fertility at Different Ages
Age is considered to be one of the most influential factors in a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a baby to full term.
According to an article from Every Stage Health, a woman’s fertility begins to decline once she turns 30 and accelerates as she enters her mid-30s. As she turns 45, the chance of becoming pregnant is very low. This is partially to blame for declining egg quality over time New studies also show that the cells, nerves and connective tissue of the ovary, as well as the environment surrounding the eggs, can decline with age, as discussed in an article from the University of California San Francisco.
The average age of first-time expecting mothers in the United States in 2023 was 27.5 years, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Women under 30 years old have about a 25% chance of becoming pregnant each cycle. For women over 30, it’s 20%. At 40, it’s 5%, according to estimations by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
A woman’s egg count also drastically decreases with age, going from about 1 million at birth to about a few hundred, if any, by 50 years old, as stated by CNY Fertility. Experts estimate that women have around 72,000 egg cells at age 30. At 40, it’s about 18,000, according to The Evewell Fertility Clinic. This can make it even more challenging to successfully conceive and fertilize an egg naturally.
Pregnancy Risks After 35
Pregnancy in a woman’s mid-30s is entirely possible. However, it may carry certain health risks for both the expecting mother and her child.
Research suggests that these risks include a higher chance of experiencing a miscarriage or stillbirth. This is mainly due to preexisting medical conditions, a chromosomal condition in the baby or a decline in egg quality, according to the Mayo Clinic.
One study published in The BMJ found that the chance of a miscarriage was lowest in women aged 25 to 29, at 10%. The risk continued to rise to 53% in women aged 45 and older.
The risk of high blood pressure and diabetes also increases during a later pregnancy. Pregnant individuals in their mid-30s to 40s often must have their blood pressure monitored, as high blood pressure can lead to complications for the mother and the baby.
Additional Risks Associated with Pregnancy and Maternal Age
- Increased risk of chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome in babies born to older women.
- Higher risk of having to undergo a C-section during delivery in women over the age of 35.
- An increased risk of complications during delivery.
- Higher likelihood of delivering a baby prematurely or giving birth to a baby with a low birth weight.
- Increased chance of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia in pregnant individuals over 35.
- Increased chance of conceiving twins.
Preparing Your Body and Mind
To prepare for a pregnancy at an advanced maternal age, it can be helpful to understand what to expect for both mental and physical well-being during and after the pregnancy.
According to Madison Women’s Health, it is common for women in their 30s to 40s to experience fatigue or a lack of energy. This continues to increase with age, especially due to schedule, stress levels and lifestyle. This, combined with hormonal changes during pregnancy, can lead to an increased feeling of exhaustion.
This level of fatigue can be described as bone-deep exhaustion, and it is often a common symptom of early pregnancy. But in women over 40, they have described it as “next-level tired,” according to an article from Organic’s Best. These symptoms can be attributed to the lower energy levels, slower metabolism and perimenopause symptoms that naturally come with aging.
A pregnancy at an advanced maternal age can also be associated with better emotional well-being. According to Madison Women’s Health, research shows that women might feel more self-assured during their pregnancy and early parenting journey. This is due to greater emotional or financial stability, prior parenting experience or increased confidence in where they are in life. Studies have shown that women who have children after 35 tend to “be happier overall.”
For those entering pregnancy at an advanced maternal age, it is important to speak with your doctor about potential risks and monitoring. Doctors also recommend setting up a strong support system to ease possible negative emotions and stress, help with exhaustion and provide moments of respite during child care. This can look like a partner, family member, friend, support group or mom group, either virtual or in person.
When starting your pregnancy journey, no matter at what age, always consult your medical team for any and all healthcare advice.
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