Pregnancy Risks After Age 35

Find out how your age affects pregnancy -- and what you can to do ensure that both you and your developing baby are safe and healthy.

By Martha Pierce

Peter LaMastro

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Understanding The Risks

As the average age at marriage rises in the U.S., so does the average age of new mothers. If you're an older mom, you're not alone. About 11 percent of babies born in the U.S. each year have moms over the age of 35. Recent studies, however, have shown that women who postpone childbearing do face some special risks, including: infertility and miscarriage, premature delivery and stillbirth, gestational diabetes, bleeding complications, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, C-section, chromosomal abnormalities in babies, growth retardation in babies, and delivering multiples.

So what can you do? All women should monitor their reproductive health. If you are over age 35, follow the guidelines outlined in this slideshow to help ensure the best possible condition for your pregnancy.

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Comments (15)

crystalcalexan1 wrote:

I turned 42 this summer and I am due on Dec 23. This entire pregnancy has been difficult but I have survived. I have been on bed rest since the very beginning. It is hard to believe bed rest is so hard. The good news is I am 12 days and 20 hours from my c section date. Yes I do know the minutes. This was not a planned pregnancy but I can not wait to meet my little man. We did not think we could have more kids and we are so happy he is on his way.

12/3/2011 10:13:04 AM Report Abuse

lauralu331 wrote:

@ mish,I'm turning 40 and I'm 36 weeks pregnant with my first! Couldn't be happier knowing more women are having babies later in life. Yes, the stats drop drastically but if you are healthy - don't delay! I took the CVS test to be safe. Everyone scared me before taking it (I lost a night of sleep)but when I got to the hospital, it was a piece of cake and the best decision I ever made! Let me know how it goes. Like I said, don't delay! Best always.

11/1/2011 04:32:19 PM Report Abuse

mish_colao wrote:

Hello everyone, I am 43 and flirting with the idea of getting pregnant. I have one daugther, conceived at 35. I have read so many scary stats about attempting pregnancy after 40 - I really don't feel my age and would love to have another baby and give my daughter the gift of a sibling. Healthwise, everything ok (although I do need to loose some weight before trying). Thoughts? Experiences? Should I go for it? Thank you and happy baby dust to all of you!

10/23/2011 10:09:55 AM Report Abuse

lamesadarby24 wrote:

im tring to get pregnet an my dr. told me i have thyrode in my uters and i nead to move it bu they sead if i do that thin i wood have to move every thang and thas if my pelves big enf.thin i whont have to move ever thing. and they whont to dow a test on me to see if im fert.

2/18/2011 12:57:00 PM Report Abuse

velvetink wrote:

I am 42 - had my Son on December 1st - did not do Amnio - all bloodwork was good - My Beautiful Son is happy and Healthy. My first child - and the pregnancy was a dream!!! I loved it. Had GD but worked through it - just had to change my eating habits a bit, but for the health of the baby, it really made it a lot less difficult. I had it early on too - I must say - I have had my share of holiday cookies since he has been born!! I am officially cookied out!!

1/5/2011 12:45:46 AM Report Abuse