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What do you call a pregnancy over 30?

goodrx.com - What You Should Know about 'Geriatric Pregnancies' - GoodRx

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Key takeaways: A “geriatric pregnancy” is an outdated term used to describe a pregnant person 35 years of age or older. While geriatric pregnancies are considered high-risk pregnancies, the majority result in healthy babies. Specialized prenatal care for pregnant people age 35 and older can ensure a healthy pregnancy. Pregnancy is an exciting time that comes with joys and challenges. Ensuring a healthy pregnancy is a key goal for all pregnant persons. While pregnancy over the age of 35 is associated with some increased risks, there’s a lot one can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy at any age.

What is a geriatric pregnancy?

A “geriatric pregnancy” is an outdated, but still commonly used, term to describe pregnancy in individuals 35 years of age and older. The term “advanced maternal age” is the more recent term to describe pregnant individuals who are over the age of 35. Defining pregnancy this way can be problematic, but the main reason a term like this was developed is because as one ages, complications become more common during pregnancy. As assisted reproductive technology (ART) advances and pregnancy becomes possible even after menopause, it becomes even more important that the unique needs of this group are addressed by insurance providers and healthcare professionals.

Risks associated with geriatric pregnancy

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows that birth rates continue to increase in people over the age of 30. There are risks with pregnancy at any age, but complication rates increase with age and may be as much as double over the age of 40 compared to pregnant people aged 20 to 34.

Complications associated with advanced maternal age include higher rates of:

Pregnancy loss

Genetic abnormalities

Stillbirth

Gestational diabetes

Pre-eclampsia

Higher rates of cesarean section

Preterm birth

Placental abruption

Some of these risks are due to the higher rates of genetic abnormalities in female oocytes (eggs) as they age. And, as people get older, they are more likely to have other medical problems that can also complicate pregnancy. Although not completely understood, age itself is associated with a higher risk of pregnancy complications. That means people over the age of 35 are more likely to have pregnancy complications even if they have no other health concerns before or during pregnancy. Despite all of this, most pregnancies after 35 result in the birth of a healthy baby.

Other than age, what else causes a high-risk pregnancy?

Besides age, many other factors can make a pregnancy high risk, including:

Medical conditions present before pregnancy, like lupus, chronic kidney disease, or heart problems Developing medical conditions during pregnancy — for example, high blood pressure or diabetes

Being pregnant with twins, triples, or multiples

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Having a previous complicated pregnancy or pregnancy loss

Cervical or uterine issues like cervical insufficiency

Issues with the placenta

Special testing for pregnancies over 35 years old

Prenatal care is important for all pregnancies, and, because of the increased risk of complications in individuals over the age of 35, specialized care is often recommended and usually covered by health insurance. This can include genetic testing, level II ultrasounds, biophysical profiles, and visits with maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

What is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist?

A maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist is a doctor who specializes in high-risk or “nonroutine” pregnancies, including advanced maternal age pregnancies. A MFM specialist has additional required training after obstetrics and gynecology residency.

What is a level II ultrasound?

A level II ultrasound is an ultrasound examination done between 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is recommended in cases of high-risk pregnancy but is sometimes offered as a routine part of prenatal care. It includes a more detailed evaluation of the baby’s anatomy, amniotic fluid, and placenta.

What is a biophysical profile and non-stress test?

A non-stress test (NST) measures fetal movements and fetal heart rate using a fetal monitor. When an NST is combined with an ultrasound, it is called a biophysical profile. The biophysical profile evaluates the baby’s health and is done starting at the 32nd week of pregnancy. The biophysical profile evaluates the baby’s movements, muscle tone, breathing, amniotic fluid, and the heart rate.

What is cell-free DNA?

Cell-free DNA is a blood test that looks for Down syndrome (trisomy 21) , trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. Cell-free DNA does not test for congenital heart disease or genetic conditions. It is now a routine part of prenatal care and done at the 10th week of pregnancy.

What can you do to ensure a safe pregnancy at an advanced maternal age?

There are many things pregnant people can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Fortunately, these are the same at any age and include:

Getting prenatal care

Avoiding medications that are not safe during pregnancy

Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and other substances

Taking folic acid and other supplements, like prenatal vitamins, recommended by healthcare providers

Eating a healthy diet

The bottom line Pregnancy after age 35 is becoming more common, and, while these pregnancies can come with risks, most end with healthy babies. Pregnant persons of the age of 35 can take steps to have a healthy pregnancy including receiving specialized medical care.

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goodrx.com - What You Should Know about 'Geriatric Pregnancies' - GoodRx

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