Having a Baby in Your Late 30s or Early 40s: What You Need to Know

Pregnancy later in life is more common than ever. Many, including a slew of celebrities such as Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Celine Dion, have successfully had babies in their late 30s and early 40s. Still, there are specific medical factors to consider. 

When you’re over the age of 35, your pregnancy is automatically classified by medical professionals as advanced maternal age (AMA) or high-risk.

The physicians at Desert Perinatal Associates specialize in high-risk pregnancies at four convenient locations, including three offices in Las Vegas, NV, and one in Henderson, NV. 

Our experts understand the physical and emotional journey of AMA pregnancies. Here’s what they’d like you to know.

Understanding the biological changes after age 35

Fertility naturally shifts as you age because you’re born with a set number of eggs. By the time you reach your mid-30s, the quantity and quality of those eggs begin to decline more rapidly. Your chances of getting pregnant naturally each month decrease to about 5% by age 40. This change also increases the likelihood of chromosomal variations, such as Down syndrome.

Beyond fertility, your baseline health is integral to your pregnancy. As you get older, you’re more likely to have pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. These conditions don't mean you can't have a healthy baby, but they do mean you’ll need closer supervision. Our medical team focuses on identifying these factors early to create an individualized management plan.

Women over 35 are also more likely to have multiples. Hormonal changes can cause the body to release more than one egg during ovulation. While twins bring double the joy, they also require specialized monitoring to prevent preterm labor and ensure both babies grow at a healthy rate.

Managing common health risks and complications

Most people in their late 30s have healthy pregnancies, but certain risks are more frequent with age. 

The most common ones are:

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes can affect how your cells use sugar. If not managed, gestational diabetes can lead to the baby growing larger than average, which can make a vaginal delivery more difficult.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a sudden increase in blood pressure that can occur after the 20th week of pregnancy. Age is a primary risk factor for developing this condition. Untreated, it can cause serious issues for both the parent and the baby. Our specialists use advanced screenings and frequent checkups to monitor your blood pressure and kidney function.

Placenta previa

Placenta previa, where the placenta covers the cervix, can lead to bleeding during pregnancy or delivery. Using high-resolution ultrasound at our Las Vegas and Henderson offices, we can track the placenta's position and plan the safest possible delivery method.

The importance of specialized prenatal screenings

Prenatal testing is essential to your care. These tests give you and our medical team valuable information about your baby's health long before the due date. We offer several non-invasive, safe screenings for you and your baby.

• Cell-free DNA screening: This blood test checks for fetal DNA in your blood to look for certain chromosomal issues.
• Nuchal translucency scan: This ultrasound measures the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck to assess the risk of genetic conditions.
• Targeted ultrasounds: These detailed scans allow our specialists to look at the baby’s heart, brain, and other organs to ensure they’re developing correctly.

Early and regular prenatal care is the most effective way to reduce pregnancy risks for those over 35. When we catch potential issues early, we have more options for treatment and management. 

Taking care of your health before you even conceive is also essential. We recommend taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Maintaining a healthy weight and managing any chronic health conditions before pregnancy sets a solid foundation. 

Our medical team is ready to partner with you from preconception through delivery. Contact the nearest Desert Perinatal Associates office to you to book an appointment online today.