Advanced Maternal Age: What It Really Means for Your Pregnancy
Breaking Down the Myths, the Facts, and What You Deserve to Know
If you're pregnant—or thinking about getting pregnant—and you're over 35, chances are you've come across the term advanced maternal age. It’s one of those medical phrases that can feel a bit clinical (and frankly, a little judgy), but what does it actually mean for you and your baby?
Let’s take a closer look—minus the fear, and with a lot more nuance.
🧬 What Is “Advanced Maternal Age”?
Technically, it’s the label used when someone is pregnant at 35 or older. In the past, it was sometimes called a geriatric pregnancy (yes, really 😅)—but thankfully, that term is falling out of use.
Why 35? Mostly because early studies found a slightly increased risk of chromosomal differences like Down syndrome from that age onward. But it’s important to know: this number is not a magic cut-off. Risks rise gradually, not suddenly.
📈 The Risks: Let’s Talk Honestly (But Not Alarmingly)
Yes, there are some increased risks that come with age—just as there are with many other factors in pregnancy. These may include:
Higher chance of chromosomal differences (like Down syndrome)
Slightly increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or high blood pressure
Greater likelihood of induction of labour or caesarean birth (most likely to do with how your caregiver will want to manage your gestation and labour)
Higher chances of needing fertility support to conceive
But context matters. Your overall health, lifestyle, pregnancy history, and access to care all play a huge role in shaping your pregnancy—not just your age.
And here's the thing: most women over 35 go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
💡 What the Numbers Don’t Show
The label of advanced maternal age is often accompanied by increased monitoring and more medicalised care. For some families, that feels reassuring. For others, it can feel overwhelming or unnecessary—especially if you’re healthy, active, and your pregnancy is progressing normally.
What’s often not discussed:
Your body's incredible ability to adapt to pregnancy—even in your late 30s or 40s
The emotional maturity, life experience, and confidence many people bring to later motherhood
The fact that “risk” doesn’t mean “problem”—it just means keeping an eye out
💬 Questions to Ask Your Care Team
If you’re navigating pregnancy over 35, here are some questions to open up real, respectful conversations:
What are the recommendations based on my age alone, and what’s based on my actual health and pregnancy?
What’s the evidence behind additional monitoring or induction?
Are there alternatives to standard protocols, like routine induction at 39 weeks?
Can I decline certain interventions and still receive respectful, supportive care?
Remember: you are not a walking statistic. You are an individual with your own story, and your care should reflect that.
🧘♀️ You Deserve Individualised, Respectful Care
Pregnancy at any age deserves care that is:
Holistic
Evidence-based
Centred on you and your preferences
Being over 35 doesn’t mean you’re high-risk by default. It simply means it’s worth having open, thoughtful conversations about your care—without fear, shame, or pressure.
💛 What Can Help?
Antenatal education that’s empowering, not fear-based
Doulas and birth professionals who support your values and advocate for informed choices
Nourishing your body with real food, rest, movement, and community
Trusting your intuition—you know yourself better than anyone else
Pregnant over 35? You’re not alone—and you’re not fragile.
Your age is part of your story, not your whole story. And with the right support, you can have a joyful, empowered birth experience that feels just right for you.
If you’re seeking personalised, compassionate support in pregnancy or birth prep that honours your age and your autonomy—get in touch. I’d love to walk this journey with you. 💛