Common myths about getting pregnant after 35

Are you 35 years or older and ready to expand your family? You may have heard some myths about getting pregnant at this stage in your life. We want to assure you that you can have a healthy, successful pregnancy over the age of 35 and we’ll be with you every step of the way.

If you're 35 years old or older and pregnant, you're considered to be of advanced maternal age, or AMA. This can put your pregnancy in the high-risk category for several reasons, including an increased risk of complications for you and your baby. The chance that these complications can occur with future pregnancies increases with age, but don’t be afraid. The SLUCare Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists will closely monitor you and the baby.

Dr. Kia Lannaman, SLUCare maternal fetal medicine specialist, helps us debunk some of those myths you may have seen about a “geriatric” pregnancy (don’t worry, we hate that term as much as you do).

MYTH: “It’s really difficult to get pregnant after age 35.”

This is not true. Many women are choosing to expand their families in their 30s and early 40s. Here are a few tips:

• Schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN to discuss your desire to expand your family. Your OBGYN can discuss realistic expectations and provide you tips on conceiving.
• Start tracking ovulation and your menstrual cycles. Try downloading an app or writing on a calendar when you ovulate and menstruate. If you’re unsure of your ovulation symptoms, try using ovulation kits or tracking your basal body temperature.
• Be optimistic. Stress can play a negative role in conceiving. Relaxing activities and a positive mindset can help promote fertility.

MYTH: “There are too many risks to have a baby at my age.”

While there is an increased risk for complications in AMA pregnancies, you can successfully have a healthy pregnancy and baby too. Some extra precautions we will take are:

• Closer monitoring of you and the baby. We may have you come into one of our MFM locations for more frequent ultrasounds and stress tests.
• Either your OBGYN or MFM will sit down with you to go over what to expect in your pregnancy and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
• We may also recommend some genetic screening. We can set you up with a genetic counselor to discuss your options and any questions you may have.

MYTH: “I shouldn’t even try to get pregnant after 35.”

If you’re ready to expand your family, we will be right there with you on your journey to motherhood. With early and frequent prenatal care, you can have a successful and healthy pregnancy. We will partner with you to make you feel safe and heard on your journey. There is no greater reward for us than placing a new baby in your arms because your miracle is our mission.