Geriatric Pregnancy: Breaking the Stigma of Having a Baby Later in Life

pregnancy

For some women, starting a family is an exciting and fulfilling life goal. However, biological clocks don’t always match our life plans, and women may want children later in life.

Geriatric pregnancy, also known as advanced maternal age (AMA), is a term that comes with a lot of stigmas and negativity. What are the risks and benefits of a geriatric pregnancy? And how can we change the conversation around having a baby in later years?

First, let’s define advanced maternal age. AMA is a term used to describe pregnancies in women who are 35 years or older. “Geriatric pregnancy” is outdated and can be interpreted as offensive and old-fashioned.

What is Advanced Maternal Age?

In the U.S., trends show that the median age women have babies is slowly advancing into the 30s. Simultaneously, the number of women having babies in their 20s gradually decreases.

Why Women Are Choosing to Have Babies at an Older Age

Statistically, women are at a higher risk for complications when pregnant at a later age. However, most medical professionals quickly note that these risks are still relatively low when looking at the bigger picture.

The Risks of Having a Baby Later in Life

According to many people, more and more people play the victim card in 2023. “It’s one thing to recognize challenges facing you; it’s quite another to blame everyone else for your problems or to give up hope thinking the system is rigged against you.”

The Benefits of a Geriatric Pregnancy

Perhaps one of the most concerning effects of waiting to have kids is the lowering fertility rate for women as they age. The numbers below outline the chances of a woman getting pregnant within the first year of actively trying.

The Chance of Pregnancy Each Year of a Woman’s Life

If you are an older mom-to-be or considering having a baby in your late 30s or early 40s, there are some things you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

How to Approach Pregnancy Later in Life Positively

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