The Advantages of Being AMA: Advanced Maternal Age

I gave birth to my first child a month after I turned 35, so I had just crossed the threshold into advanced maternal age (AMA). I definitely didn’t get the full experience of a geriatric pregnancy!

Now I’m pregnant again at age 37, and will give birth right after I turn 38. There’s a big difference in the conversations I have with my OBGYN nowadays, and most of it revolves around the higher risk of possible complications.

I can vividly remember when my doctor pulled out his pen and wrote my age in big numbers on the exam table. I knew immediately what he was getting at: I’m OLD. There is a negative stigma with being AMA, and it can cause a lot of stress during pregnancy. Fortunately, there is a bright side to being old!

These are 5 advantages to being AMA:

1. You don’t stress about the little things. As you age gracefully, you eventually start to feel more settled in life. You’ve most likely had your fun, traveled and climbed the career ladder. You feel more confident in who you are and what’s important to you. You’ve also had time to learn how to handle stress. This helps you to slow down and savor each moment with your new bundle of joy.

2. You’re twice as likely to live longer. The ability to have a baby after age 33 is an indication of good overall health. This theory suggests that your reproductive system is aging more slowly and therefore the rest of your body is aging slowly. It also means you are twice as likely to live to age 95. And more likely to see your grandchildren be born and grow up!

3. You’re offered a LOT more assessment during pregnancy. After age 35, you are offered a blood test starting at 10 weeks for gender and chromosomal conditions. It can take a little longer to get the results because they perform DNA sequencing, but the test is up to 99% accurate. In addition to this test, some OBGYNs will perform a sonogram at each monthly visit after 20 weeks to catch any potential complications. All of this helps you learn about your baby in the womb and make informed decisions for early medical treatment if needed

4. You’re more likely able to stay at home after baby is born. Again, you have most likely climbed the career ladder. This could mean you have the ability to take more time off than just the standard maternity leave. Older mothers have also likely put extra money in savings so they can take an extended break from work. They may have achieved more job flexibility which allows for more time at home with baby. These mothers are more likely to be in a stable relationship with a partner who has also had time to climb the career ladder and become more financially stable, which allows them to stay at home longer.

5. There is less chance of baby developing defects. This seems to contradict the entire notion that AMA is associated with higher risk of complications. However, this research indicates there is a decreased risk of baby developing congenital defects in older pregnant women. This is likely because mothers over age 35 may eat healthier and exercise more.

There you have it! Being AMA isn’t a prison sentence. Like a fine wine, we get better with age! There are definitely extra things to think about, but more women are having children over age 35 and into their 40s without complications. Save the stress for when your 2 year old figures out which drawer is the knife drawer…Good luck ladies!