Pregnancy After 35

Having children is a life-changing decision that, for many Americans, is being made later in life than previous generations. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the number of births among women 35 to 44 years old ticked up 2% from 2017 to 2018 (the most recent data available), despite an overall decline in total births during the same time period.

Is Conception More Difficult After 35?

Generally, the older you are, the longer conception can take — although this isn’t the case for everyone. With age, the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs decreases, which could make it more difficult to conceive. This means the chance a healthy, fertile 30-year-old has to conceive may decline with age.

Is It Risky to Have Children Later in Life?

Although many women age 35 and up have perfectly healthy pregnancies and babies, giving birth after that age does come with a higher risk of preeclampsia (a form of high blood pressure during pregnancy), premature birth, low birth weight and miscarriage.

The chance of infants developing certain genetic conditions also increases with a mother’s age. Years ago, invasive genetic-testing procedures increased the risk of miscarriage, but today, tests pose less risk.

Read More: What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?

“Genetic screening has advanced over the past 10 years,” says Dr. Marlena Mattingly Masavage, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists. “We now have multiple noninvasive options to offer to high-risk patients to help screen for genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome.”

When it comes to overall risk, a woman’s individual health matters a lot. Someone in her early 30s, who is morbidly obese with high blood pressure, is at greater risk than a woman who is 38 and healthy.

“If you are over the age of 35, or have medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, you can meet with your OBGYN for a preconception counseling visit,” Dr. Masavage says. “We’ll review potential risks, adjust medications and find overall ways to increase your chance of successfully conceiving and having a healthy, safe pregnancy.”

Whatever your age, if you are planning a family and looking for an OBGYN, request an appointment with a Beaufort Memorial provider in Beaufort or Bluffton.