Geriatric Pregnancy or Advanced Maternal Age

The average maternal age is rising across the world, with many women choosing to conceive later in life than previous generations before them. Along with this choice and the reducing stigma in starting a family at this age, it’s no wonder why the term “geriatric pregnancy” is beginning to feel outdated, despite still being used medically. 

Most people aged 35-40+ go on to have healthy pregnancies with the right care, but things do begin to change as you try to conceive at this age. 

In this article, we’ll be touching on the potential advantages and possible risks of having a baby later in life, how age affects your fertility, and how you can best manage a pregnancy after 35.

What Is Considered a Geriatric Pregnancy?

In simple terms, a geriatric pregnancy describes the pregnancy of a woman who is 35 or older at the time of delivery. While still used medically, it can feel somewhat outdated, with the preferred modern term being “advanced maternal age.”

What Age Is Geriatric Pregnancy? 

Age 35 is medically referred to as the threshold for a geriatric pregnancy, as it marks the beginning of a gradual increase in potential risks – but it’s not a hard biological switch that takes place overnight, which is a common misconception. More significant jumps occur after 37, and again after 40, as egg quality declines and the risk of chronic conditions increases.

How Age Affects Fertility

A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have, and she will typically lose one egg with ovulation every menstrual cycle. As we age, our bodies naturally age with us, both internally and externally, even if we can’t see these changes taking place. Naturally, as a woman approaches a certain age, her eggs will begin to decrease in both quality and quantity, and she may notice changes in ovulation, too. 

This is why conception can take longer to achieve after 35, and why there’s a slightly higher risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in pregnancies of this age too.

Pregnancy Age Limit 

While some of this may sound alarming, it’s important to remember that there’s no fixed biological ‘stop’ for being able to conceive and deliver a healthy baby before menopause, but getting pregnant at 45 through natural conception does become less likely.

There are several factors at play for women in their mid-forties. With the start of perimenopause beginning to occur, a diminished ovarian reserve in addition to variable health factors that may be at play, all combined, make conceiving and pregnancy more difficult.

Pregnancy Risks After 40

As getting pregnant at 40 does become more difficult to achieve, some pregnancy risks at this age are important to consider, including:

• Risks related to pregnancy health: such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia.

• Risks related to the baby: chromosomal abnormalities (Down Syndrome, trisomies), premature birth, and low birth weight.

• Risks related to delivery: a higher likelihood of C-section for women having a baby at 40 or older.

• Risks related to loss: a higher chance of miscarriage or stillbirth.

All that said, health, habits, and medical care can have a huge impact on these risks, and they are not inevitable for every pregnancy after 40.

Benefits of Having a Baby Later in Life

While it may seem biologically easier to have a baby when you’re younger, there are some benefits to having a baby slightly later in life.

Research has found that older mothers tend to benefit from greater financial stability, emotional readiness, and more education, with even improved long-term outcomes for some children.

There are pros and cons for both younger and older first-time mothers, so try to consider both sides before making a decision that is right for you.

Tips for Getting Pregnant 30–35

Let’s now go over some practical tips and strategies for getting pregnant in the first few years of your thirties, compiled clearly in the table below.

It’s normal for conception to take some time, especially when you first begin to try. However, as you approach a certain age considered advanced for maternity, it’s important to know when to see a fertility specialist for extra support if you’re struggling.

When to See a Fertility Specialist

You can reach out to a fertility specialist at any age if you’re experiencing difficulty conceiving or have any doubts or concerns. However, as you enter advanced maternal age, we recommend:

• If you’re over 35 → seek help after 6 months of trying

• If you’re over 40 → seek help immediately (highly recommended)

In your consultation, you can discuss any potential evaluations, genetic counseling, and the option to tailor a conception plan with your specialist based on age and health, to better your chances of conception.

Our fertility experts offer personalized guidance on hormone patterns, cycle health, and overall fertility wellness – especially helpful for older mothers seeking clearer insight into their reproductive timeline. Alternatively, the Panorama Lab Test offers a quick, convenient way to assess your fertility from home. This painless blood test, performed with the EasyDraw device for comfortable collection, evaluates key biomarkers such as AMH, TSH, free T4 (fT4), prolactin, free and total testosterone, SHBG, and albumin, providing a comprehensive view of your reproductive and endocrine health.

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Fertility Preservation Options

As more women decide that they want to have a baby, but perhaps later in life, the options and medical support available to support these decisions are increasing.

Egg freezing and embryo freezing are tools that have advanced greatly over the last few decades, and offer women more freedom and power in their choices than ever before. They’re particularly helpful for women who may undergo cancer treatment or have certain medical conditions. Although no method guarantees future pregnancy, they can greatly improve the odds.

Prenatal Screening and Diagnostic Tests for People Over 35

While being pregnant at 38 or 40 doesn’t strictly mean you’re guaranteed to experience risks and complications, it’s often recommended to follow certain prenatal screening and diagnostic tests to keep tabs on things.

These tests can vary, and each offers different insights. Here’s a quick breakdown of some common options:

Screenings can offer peace of mind or early preparation for your pregnancy, estimating the chance of certain genetic or chromosomal conditions. However, they cannot guarantee that everything is normal. To receive a firm diagnosis, diagnostic testing can be the most appropriate next step when necessary.

Managing a Pregnancy After 35: What to Expect

If you’re pregnant after 35, there’s no reason for immediate concern or alarm. However, it is important you take extra care to appropriately prioritize your prenatal care. You may need more ultrasounds, earlier glucose screening, closer monitoring of your blood pressure, and frequent fetal growth checks to keep tabs on everything and ensure things are going smoothly.

Remember, these are, above all, preventative methods to support your pregnancy and baby’s health, and not signs of something ‘wrong’.

How to Reduce Pregnancy Risks After Age 35

Small, steady lifestyle changes and habits can make a significant difference in your overall health and, in turn, support a healthy pregnancy. Expectant mothers can benefit from these tips at any age, but they become all the more important as we get older.

Things like eating well, staying active, managing your weight loss or gain, and avoiding smoking and alcohol are all great lifestyle changes to incorporate if you’re TTC or already pregnant. Prenatal vitamins and regular prenatal check-ups can provide additional support as you prepare your body before pregnancy, and can be a great help.

For an extra layer of support pre-conception, you could consider introducing Mira’s Fertility Tea into your daily routine. You can also use science-backed tools like our Hormone Monitor and Mira App to support your cycle awareness and overall fertility health, as you get ready for pregnancy.

Labor, Delivery, and Postpartum Considerations for Older Mothers

As conception and pregnancy can become more difficult with age, so can childbirth and postpartum. Older mothers are more likely to be induced at around 39 weeks or have a C-section to best protect and support them and the baby’s health during labor and delivery.

Following birth, there are increased postpartum risks such as hypertension. It’s especially important to prioritize early postpartum support and follow-up, as recovery can vary with age, particularly in your forties compared to your mid-thirties.

Final Thoughts: Age Is One Factor — Not the Whole Story

In the modern age, more and more women are choosing to start a family and get pregnant later in life than previous generations. While this once may have been stigmatized, with the common misconception that getting pregnant, or having a healthy pregnancy or a baby is more difficult at this age, we know that the reality is much more nuanced.

Most pregnancies that once fell into the geriatric pregnancy age bracket are perfectly healthy, with many of the risks perfectly manageable with proper support, proactive steps, and thorough prenatal care. Many women find it an empowering choice to decide when they’re ready to have children, be that emotionally, financially, or physically. And with the support of your healthcare provider, you too can have a healthy and happy pregnancy after 35.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “geriatric pregnancy” a stigma? 

Many feel the term “geriatric pregnancy” carries unnecessary stigma and has become an outdated phrase. Gentler, more accurate language, such as “advanced maternal age,” is now preferred.

Why is it dangerous to have a geriatric pregnancy?

Getting pregnant at a slightly older age can bring increased medical risks, but these risks can vary widely and are often manageable with good prenatal care.

Is it safe to get pregnant at age 46?

While it is less likely as women enter their mid forties, pregnancy at 45 or 46 is still possible, though it can carry higher risks. We recommend exploring pregnancy at this age with personalized medical guidance.

What are common myths about pregnancy after 35?

The fact that fertility suddenly and drastically drops or that healthy pregnancies aren’t possible after 35 is a common myth. In reality, the picture is far less black and white, and any decrease in fertility levels is much more gradual.