ANN/THE DAILY STAR – The term ‘geriatric pregnancy’ may sound daunting, but it is simply a medical label for pregnancies in women aged 35 and above.
While the phrase has long been associated with heightened risks and concerns, modern healthcare is reshaping perceptions and outcomes. Experts stress that these risks do not define every pregnancy. Many women over 35 experience healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies. Today, healthcare providers are moving away from stigmatising language, advocating instead for a more individualised approach to maternal care.
MEDICAL PROGRESS DRIVES POSITIVE OUTCOMES
Advancements in maternal healthcare have transformed the outlook for pregnancies in women of advanced maternal age. Innovations such as routine screenings, genetic testing and enhanced prenatal care have significantly improved safety and outcomes.
“Chances of having a healthy baby remain higher than the risk of miscarriage for women aged 35 to 40,” an expert at the Cleveland Clinic noted.
For entrepreneur and mother of three Nurjahan Ajanee, who conceived at 38, the journey was smooth, save for a few extra tests. “Except for one very discouraging doctor, everyone cheered me along throughout my pregnancy. It was a routine, full-term pregnancy,” she shared.
Although the likelihood of complications – such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia or chromosomal abnormalities – rises with age, advancements in medical care have made these risks more manageable. Early detection and intervention remain key to successful outcomes.
MANAGING RISKS EFFECTIVELY
In addition, fertility treatments like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) have broadened options for women seeking to conceive later in life. Assisted reproductive technologies have become a lifeline for many, offering hope where natural conception may be challenging.
EMPOWERING CHOICES FOR ASPIRING MOTHERS
As awareness grows and medical capabilities advance, the stigma surrounding pregnancies at 35 and beyond is gradually diminishing. By focusing on individualised care and informed decision-making, healthcare providers are empowering women to embrace motherhood on their terms.
Modern medicine continues to demonstrate that age is only one factor in a much larger picture of maternal health and well-being.
HEALTHY HABITS MATTER
A way one can have a successful pregnancy after 35 is by maintaining healthy lifestyle practices before and during pregnancy. Regular exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol can significantly reduce the risk of complications at any age. Staying informed through regular check-ups can help even further. Managing stress and having a strong support system are equally important during this period. Many women who experience successful late pregnancies thank their mental well-being and emotional resilience as key factors in their journey.
CHANGING ATTITUDES AND POSITIVE NARRATIVES
Societal perceptions of ‘older’ motherhood are shifting. Women are increasingly empowered to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and there is growing recognition that age does not dictate a woman’s ability to be a loving and capable parent.
Another entrepreneur Mustahena Nawar had her third child at 40.
“My first two children are smart, but I think my third one is the smartest of them all. I believe that when the mother has achieved good things in life and harbours no inhibitions regarding getting pregnant, the child thrives. It does not hurt that a mother is fully matured by then. I’m no doctor but I’m sure that maturity adds value to the child’s mental and physical health in the womb.”
While pregnancy after 35 may once have been viewed with trepidation and continues to be a road paved with unique challenges, it is also filled with hope. – Munira Fidai