The Risks of Advanced Maternal Age in Pregnancy

Every pregnancy comes with some degree of risk, but for some women, the risk is even more significant. Overall, women in the United States are waiting longer to have children. There are many reasons women delay having children, but that decision can come with increased risk. Women over 35 are considered to be of advanced maternal age. Being of advanced maternal age means that there can be complications that arise during pregnancy and during labor and delivery. Your healthcare provider should advise you of these risks and know how to proceed in the face of them. Risks of advanced maternal age include:
Conceiving Multiples
Women of advanced maternal age are more likely to conceive twins and triplets. Special considerations must be taken into account by a doctor when a woman is pregnant with multiples as they are at higher risk for premature birth and other complications.
Genetic Abnormalities
Babies born to moms of advanced maternal age are more likely to be affected by chromosomal abnormalities. These are genetic issues that can lead to conditions such as Down Syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and others.  A medical professional should advise a woman of these risks and may recommend genetic testing.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is more common as women get older. If gestational diabetes is not treated early, it can lead to a larger baby which can increase the risk of birth injury during delivery. A doctor should test an older mother for gestational diabetes early and, if it is found, begin treatment immediately. The doctor should also know how to properly deliver a larger baby to avoid birth injuries.
Premature Birth
Women of advanced maternal age are also more likely to experience a pre-term birth. This can be the result of other medical conditions that require early labor inductions. A doctor should be able to recognize the need for early labor induction and how to balance the associated risks. Medical professionals should also take appropriate care when treating a premature baby.
Preeclampsia
Pregnant women over 35 years old are at higher risk for hypertension and preeclampsia during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a condition that involves high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. Preeclampsia can lead to severe complications and even death. Your doctor should take the proper steps to diagnose and discover preeclampsia early and take the appropriate precautions.
Increased Need for a Caesarian Section
Mothers of advanced maternal age are more likely to deliver by Caesarian section than younger mothers. This can be a result of the increased risk of pregnancy complications and situations like longer labor and bleeding. A responsible doctor will recognize the need for a C-section as soon as possible and take proper precautions when performing the C-section.
If you are a mother of advanced maternal and you or your baby were injured as the result of negligence by a medical provider, you should consult with an attorney specializing in medical malpractice. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.