What You Need to Know
You're not alone. More than 1 in 5 babies in the U.S. are born to mothers age 35 and older.
Advanced maternal age means you are 35 years or older when your baby is born.
This is just a medical term. It doesn't mean your pregnancy will have problems.
It means your care team will offer you extra monitoring and testing options.
Age 35 is when certain risks begin to increase more noticeably.
The chance of chromosomal differences (like Down syndrome) increases with age.
Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure become more common.
Important: Increased risk doesn't mean certainty. Most pregnancies after 35 are healthy.
The chance of Down syndrome (trisomy 21) increases gradually with age.
| Your Age at Delivery | Chance of Down Syndrome |
|---|---|
| 25 years | 1 in 1,250 |
| 30 years | 1 in 952 |
| 35 years | 1 in 378 |
| 40 years | 1 in 106 |
| 45 years | 1 in 30 |
Source: ACOG Practice Bulletin
"If my risk is 1 in 100, what does that really mean?"
It means that out of 100 pregnancies at your age, 1 would have this condition and 99 would not.
Remember: Even at age 40, your chance of NOT having a chromosomal condition is about 99 in 100.
Advanced maternal age is associated with higher rates of:
These risks are manageable with good prenatal care and monitoring.
You have several options to check your baby's health.
We'll discuss which tests are right for you.
Purpose: Estimate your risk
Method: Blood tests and ultrasound
Risk: No risk to pregnancy
Results: "High risk" or "low risk"
Purpose: Give definite answers
Method: Testing placenta or fluid
Risk: Small miscarriage risk (~0.1-0.3%)
Results: "Yes" or "no"
All tests are optional. We'll help you decide what's right for you.
This is a blood test you can have after 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Your blood contains tiny pieces of placental DNA. We test this DNA to screen for chromosomal conditions.
"What does 'high risk' really mean?"
A "high risk" screening result means more testing is recommended. It does NOT mean your baby definitely has a condition.
If screening shows high risk, we may recommend amniocentesis or CVS for a definite answer.
You're in control: You can choose which tests to have and which to decline.
We'll monitor your pregnancy more closely, but most visits are routine.
You may have additional tests to check your health and your baby's growth.
These appointments help us catch any problems early and keep you and your baby safe.
What it is: High blood sugar that starts during pregnancy.
Why it matters: It can affect your baby's growth and delivery.
What we do: Test you between 24-28 weeks. If present, we manage it with diet changes, monitoring, and sometimes medication.
Good news: Most women with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies with proper management.
What it is: High blood pressure with protein in your urine, usually after 20 weeks.
Warning signs to watch for:
What to do: Call your doctor right away if you have these symptoms. We monitor closely and can treat this condition.
In the last few months, we may recommend:
Usually around 36-37 weeks, or earlier if there are concerns.
These tests help ensure your baby is doing well and getting enough oxygen and nutrients.
Advanced maternal age alone is not a reason for cesarean delivery.
Many women over 35 have vaginal deliveries. Your delivery method depends on your health, your baby's health, and your pregnancy course.
We may recommend delivery by:
We'll make a plan together based on your individual situation.
You have more control than you might think.
Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Call right away if you have:
Never hesitate to call. We would rather check and reassure you than miss something important.
Pregnancy can bring up many emotions, especially if you're worried about risks.
It's normal to feel anxious, excited, worried, and happy all at once.
Tell your doctor if you experience:
Mental health is part of your overall health. We can connect you with support and resources.
You don't have to go through this alone.
Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek extra support. That's what we're here for.
What is it? A genetic counselor helps you understand your risks and testing options.
When it's helpful:
We can refer you to a genetic counselor at any point in your pregnancy.
Here are some questions you might want to discuss:
Write down your questions before appointments. No question is too small.
Millions of women over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies every year.
With good prenatal care, close monitoring, and your active participation, your chances of a successful pregnancy are excellent.
"I'll definitely need a C-section because of my age."
Many women over 35 have vaginal deliveries. Your delivery method is based on individual factors.
"Something will definitely go wrong with my pregnancy."
Most pregnancies after 35 are healthy. Increased risk means more monitoring, not guaranteed problems.
Being older when you have a baby comes with advantages:
You bring wisdom, stability, and readiness to parenthood. These are valuable gifts for your baby.
This is a journey we take together.
You provide: Information about your body, questions, concerns, and your values and preferences.
We provide: Medical expertise, monitoring, testing options, and recommendations based on evidence.
Together we make: Informed decisions that are right for you and your baby.
Pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Here's how to approach it:
Your age is just one factor in your pregnancy story.
With good care, close monitoring, and your active participation, you have every reason to be optimistic.
Remember: We're here to answer questions, address concerns, and support you throughout this journey.
Thank you for trusting us with your care.