Pregnancy is an incredible experience full of joy, excitement, and a little bit of anxiety. If you’re over 35, you might have been told that your pregnancy could be high risk.

This can feel overwhelming, but here’s the truth—you’re not alone, and many women in their late 30s and even into their 40s have perfectly healthy pregnancies and babies.

It’s natural for your body and its needs to change as you age, but medicine has come a long way, making pregnancy safer than ever, even after 35.

This guide will talk you through the myths, facts, and practical tips to help you feel confident about this exciting chapter of life.

→What is AMA?

Doctors use the term Advanced Maternal Age (AMA) if a woman is pregnant at age 35 or older.

It’s not as scary as it sounds—it’s just a medical label to remind healthcare providers to keep an extra close eye on pregnancies in older moms. The goal is to ensure both you and your baby stay as healthy as possible.

→Why is 35 Considered a Key Age?

At 35, it’s like your reproductive health passes a milestone where certain risks—like complications during pregnancy or genetic conditions—become slightly more likely.

These changes happen gradually, not overnight. Think of 35 as a point where doctors simply start monitoring more closely to offer you the best care.

→How Does Fertility Change After 35?

Your fertility (ability to get pregnant) starts to naturally decrease as you age because your body produces fewer eggs, and the remaining eggs may not be as high quality as before. 

However, many women naturally conceive well into their late 30s and even their 40s. If you’re trying to get pregnant, don’t lose hope—it might just take a little more time, or your doctor can help with options like fertility treatments.

Example: Did you know that women over 35 often have a higher chance of conceiving twins naturally? This happens because your ovaries might release multiple eggs during ovulation.

Myth 1: Every Pregnancy After 35 is High Risk

Fact: High risk doesn’t mean something WILL go wrong—it means extra monitoring. Many women over 35 have smooth, healthy pregnancies with regular checkups and the right care. Your age doesn’t define your entire pregnancy experience.

Myth 2: It’s Impossible to Conceive Naturally After 35

Fact: It can take longer to get pregnant, but natural conception still happens frequently. If you don’t conceive within six months to a year of trying, your pregnancy doctor can explore options, like medications or procedures to boost fertility.

Myth 3: Your Baby Will Automatically Have Birth Defects

Fact: While the chance of chromosomal abnormalities (like Down syndrome) increases slightly with age, the majority of babies born to moms over 35 are perfectly healthy. Prenatal tests like bloodwork and ultrasounds can help detect potential risks early.

Myth 4: Older Mothers Always Need C-Sections

Fact: C-sections are more common with age, often because of longer labor or specific medical reasons. However, many women over 35 successfully deliver naturally—your doctor will help decide what’s safest for you and your baby.

While risks exist, it’s important to put them into perspective. With good care, many of these risks can be managed or even avoided. Here’s what doctors watch for in older moms-to-be:

• Gestational Diabetes: This condition affects blood sugar levels during pregnancy but can usually be controlled with the right diet and monitoring.
  
• Preeclampsia: A pregnancy complication that causes high blood pressure. Regular checkups can detect and control it early.
• Chromosomal Issues: Conditions like Down syndrome become slightly more likely as you age, but screenings like ultrasounds or blood tests can give you peace of mind.
• Miscarriage or Stillbirth: The risks are higher after 35 but not guaranteed. Frequent monitoring, healthy habits, and early intervention help prevent complications.

Remember, being informed about risks is empowering—it helps you take proactive steps for a healthy pregnancy.

Medical technology has come a long way, making pregnancies after 35 much safer than they were decades ago. Here’s how science is on your side: 

• Enhanced Prenatal Screenings: Advanced blood tests, ultrasounds, and genetic screenings can help identify issues early, giving you and your doctor time to prepare.
• Fertility Treatments: If conceiving naturally isn’t working, options like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg-freezing give you more control over when to start your family.
• Specialized Care: Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are experts in high-risk pregnancies and are there to ensure you have the safest experience.

Being proactive about your health is the best way to stay confident and in control.

A. Preconception Planning

• Schedule a Doctor’s Visit: Talk to your doctor about your health and plans for pregnancy. They’ll give you personalized advice to get ready.
• Start Prenatal Vitamins: Taking folic acid before you get pregnant lowers the risk of birth defects.
• Manage Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions, work with your doctor to manage them before pregnancy.

B. Lifestyle Changes

Check out these everyday habits that support a healthy pregnancy:

• Eat Well: Lean proteins, colorful veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats are the way to go. Focus on getting enough iron and calcium.
• Stay Active: Gentle exercises like walking or yoga help with circulation, mood, and strength.
• Reduce Stress: Meditation, deep breathing, or journaling can keep you calm during this exciting but emotional time.
• Get Good Sleep: Pregnancy can make you extra tired, so listen to your body and aim for 7-9 hours of rest each night.

C. Regular Doctor Checkups

Keep up with all your prenatal appointments! Your doctor will monitor the baby’s growth and your health closely, ensuring any issues are caught early. 

Pregnancy after 35 can come with added emotions. Maybe you’re worrying about the risks or feeling self-conscious about being an “older” mom. Remember, you’re not alone, and support is available.

• Talk About It: Whether it’s with your doctor, your partner, or a counselor, sharing your feelings can help ease stress.

• Be Kind to Yourself: Ignore societal or family pressures. Every pregnancy—and every mom—is different.

• Join a Community: Pregnancy support groups (online or in-person) can help you connect with other moms who understand what you’re going through.

It’s not just moms—dads’ age plays a role too. As men get older, sperm quality can decrease, which might affect fertility or the baby’s health. If your partner is older, encourage them to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition, exercise, and cutting back on smoking or alcohol.

Women all over the world have beautiful pregnancies and healthy babies later in life. Celebrities like Halle Berry and Janet Jackson had children in their 40s with the help of modern medicine and good care. But it’s not just public figures—every day, moms prove that age is no barrier when you take the right steps.

Pregnancy after 35 comes with unique challenges, but it’s certainly not impossible—nor is it automatically risky. With proper care, regular checkups, and healthy habits, you can approach this time in your life with confidence. Your doctor is your best partner in this experience, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek support.

Takeaway: Your age does not define your ability to have a happy, healthy pregnancy. You’ve got the power, resources, and support to make this a wonderful chapter in your life!

If you’re planning to get pregnant or already expecting after 35, speak with your pregnancy doctor about how to make your pregnancy as stress-free and healthy as possible. You’ve got this!

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• About Author

  Dr. Supriya Puranik

  Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist

Dr. Supriya Puranik, a renowned gynaecologist and infertility expert, leads the IVF & Gynaecology department at Sahyadri Hospitals Momstory in Shivaji Nagar, Pune. She is committed to helping couples overcome infertility challenges.