Today, many women are delaying pregnancy until their early or late 30s, according to new statistics from the CDC. In fact, in the United States and Canada, new mothers in their 30s comprise over one-third of the population of expectant mothers each year. According to the Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology, pregnancy after 35 is automatically classified as “high risk” and will require extra prenatal care and procedures that exceed those for women under the age of 35.
While delaying pregnancy does increase risks and complications, it’s important to note that with healthy prenatal care, many women experience healthy pregnancies and deliver full-term babies.
The biological clock has no reset button. One significant risk of delaying pregnancy is the potential for fertility issues. Approximately half of all women over the age of 33 encounter difficulties with fertility. Not only does the number of healthy eggs decrease during ovulation, but many women may not ovulate regularly, which can lead to longer wait times to conceive or the necessity for medical fertility treatments.
Other risks include the following:
- Many women require fertility assistance, which means the chance of having twins for women over 35 is double that of women aged 25. Additionally, since ovulation can be less predictable, the likelihood of ovulating from both ovaries at the same time increases the chance of twins.
- Risks for gestational diabetes also rise with age. In fact, about half of all women over 35 who are pregnant develop gestational diabetes, even if they have had previous pregnancies without it. Consequently, healthcare professionals typically perform regular testing throughout pregnancy. If gestational diabetes is diagnosed, there are risks for both the mother and baby that can impact delivery.
- The risk of having a C-section increases by 46% for women who delay pregnancy. Older women are at a higher risk for developing placenta previa, which can make natural delivery risky or impossible. Other health concerns associated with women over 35 also contribute to a higher likelihood of needing a C-section.
- Because the eggs in the ovaries are older, there is a greater risk of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities. This is one reason older women are twice as likely to deliver a baby with Down Syndrome. Early testing, including amniocentesis, is often suggested for women over 35. However, these tests carry risks, so thorough research is essential before proceeding. Other factors aside from advanced maternal age can also contribute to Down Syndrome.
- The risk of miscarriage increases significantly as maternal age rises, for various reasons.
- Many older women who become pregnant, even without pre-existing high blood pressure, may develop hypertension during pregnancy. Unfortunately, this often does not resolve after childbirth and can become a chronic condition.
The care schedule outlined by the Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends more frequent visits to the OBGYN for women over 35. With advanced testing, pre-screenings, and risk assessments, most women find they can have a healthy pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. However, by age 40, the outlined risks double in frequency and continue to increase each year until a woman reaches menopause.
If you have delayed pregnancy and feel anxious that your biological clock has nearly run out, there’s no need to be overwhelmed with worry. The Mayo Clinic estimates that around 95% of women over 35 who give birth experience little to no life-threatening issues during pregnancy or childbirth and go on to deliver healthy babies. As long as you are committed to prenatal care and consult your doctor at the first sign of trouble, you should be just fine.
