Introduction
When the woman’s estimated delivery date is by age 35, her age is considered advanced maternal age. Certain studies have shown that a woman's fertility starts declining at thirty-five years. As a result, it may increase the risk of genetic abnormalities in the fetus. According to some recent studies, congenital and chromosomal abnormalities may develop in such babies. In addition, pregnancy-associated chronic medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and others may develop in the mother. Traditional medical professionals may refer to advanced maternal age as geriatric pregnancy.
How Does Advanced Maternal Age Affect Fertility?
A female is born with a fixed number of ovum, or eggs, which get gradually released after puberty by ovulation and may get fertilized when they fuse with the sperm. The fertility rate decreases as women age, with a decline in the number of remaining eggs in the reproductive tract. This affects the chances of conception. The peak fertile period for females is in their early 20s. In the mid or late 30s, the quality and quantity of the ovum get impaired, increasing pregnancy-related complications or decreasing the possibility of conceiving. The remaining eggs may have chromosomal issues, leading to genetic abnormalities in the embryo. The conditions mentioned above are possibilities and are not sure to occur.
What Are the Complications of Advanced Maternal Age in Pregnancy?
Maternal age and pregnancy are associated. Advanced maternal age can lead to the following complications:
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Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia, or toxemia, is a severe increase in blood pressure during pregnancy. Preeclampsia can lead to life-threatening complications in the mother and the baby.
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Multiple Pregnancies: A multiple pregnancy occurs when the mother has more than one fetus in her womb. The chances of multiple pregnancies, especially with twins, are higher in advanced maternal age. Aging can alter the hormonal balance, which may lead to the release of multiple eggs, leading to multiple pregnancies.
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Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes is diabetes (high blood sugar levels) that may develop during pregnancy.
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Preterm Birth: Preterm or premature birth is when the baby is delivered before completing 37 gestational weeks. Premature babies are more susceptible to infections and other diseases, which may even become life-threatening.
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Low Birth Weight: Babies born to mothers over 35 years old may possess less body weight, which may increase the chances of diseases.
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Increased Chances of Cesarean: Since the chances of pregnancy-associated complications are higher, the doctors may advise doing a cesarean or C-section to reduce the risk of a complicated delivery.
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Miscarriage: Spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage, is the natural loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy. The risk is higher if the mother is over 35. This may be due to the mother’s chronic medical condition or fetal chromosomal disorders.
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Genetic Abnormalities: A baby born to a mother over 35 may develop congenital abnormalities, like Down’s syndrome.
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Stillbirth: Stillbirth is when the baby dies after 20 gestational weeks, the chances of which are higher in cases of advanced maternal age.
What Are the Advantages of Having a Baby After 35?
Even though advanced maternal age may develop complications in the mother, the baby, or both, it is one’s decision whether to get pregnant at a particular point or age. Age makes a person experienced enough to care for a baby and raise a better generation. Age may help enhance the financial stability of the family. Advanced educational systems make expecting parents more conscious of their health. The relationships will also attain stability with age, enhancing parenting quality.
What Diagnostics Should Be Done if the Expecting Mother Has Advanced Age?
It is recommended to take specific prenatal testing if the expecting mother has advanced age or is older than 35. Some of the tests are listed below:
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Non-invasive Prenatal Testing: Non-invasive prenatal testing, or NIPT, is a screening test done during pregnancy. It helps to screen for chromosomal disorders in the fetus. It is done by testing the mother’s blood, which may contain the fetus's DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) fragments. It is also called cell-free DNA (cfDNA) test or NIPS (non-invasive prenatal screening).
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Chronic Villus Sampling: Chronic villus sampling, or CVS, checks for the fetus’s genetic or chromosomal conditions. Cells will be taken from the placenta and sent to the lab to check for conditions.
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Amniocentesis: In the case of amniocentesis, the amniotic fluid will be taken for testing. Genetic or chromosomal conditions in the fetus can be diagnosed using amniocentesis. The fluid will be collected from the womb with the help of a syringe.
How to Decrease the Risk of Pregnancy Complications if the Mother Is Aged?
In the case of advanced maternal age, the following steps can be taken to decrease the risk of complications during pregnancy:
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The woman should consult and take advice from the doctor before conceiving. This helps the parents adapt to a healthy lifestyle, reducing the chances of developing chronic maternal health complications.
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Timely prenatal appointments with the doctor help monitor the maternal health condition. It may also aid in reducing maternal tension about their problems.
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Sticking to a healthy eating pattern is essential during pregnancy. The doctors may also prescribe certain supplements.
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The existing medical conditions should be well managed and put under control.
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Pregnancy cravings may arise, but the expecting mother should take care of their body weight. Excessive weight gain may lead to pregnancy complications.
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The mother should engage in safe workouts daily, which may ease delivery and enhance blood circulation.
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Substance use, including caffeine intake, should be limited.
Conclusion
Advanced maternal age is when the pregnant woman is over 35. It is associated with pregnancy complications or genetic or chromosomal abnormalities in the baby. These problems are not certain to occur. There is a high chance that the mother will give birth to a healthy baby without any underlying complications. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps reduce the chances of risky pregnancies in cases of advanced maternal age.
