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The Question Of Higher Risk
Many women want to know why pregnancy in a woman who is in her 30s or 40s is considered "higher risk." After age 35, risks of medical problems, such as high blood pressure, and risks for baby, such as Down syndrome, increase each year. Medical professionals originally chose the age of 35 as the dividing line between normal risk and high risk because of risks associated with the amniocentesis test.

When amniocentesis was first developed, researchers found a 0.5% risk of having a miscarriage after the test. They compared this risk to that of giving birth to a baby with a chromosomal disorder, which increases with the mother's age. At 35, a woman has a 0.5% chance of giving birth to a baby with a chromosomal disorder. When the risk of having the test was equal to the risk of giving birth to a baby with problems, the test was advised. Thus 35 became the age at which testing was recommended.

The age of 35 is no longer meaningful because amniocentesis is much safer now. The estimated risk of a miscarriage after amniocentesis is about 0.3%. Perhaps more important, two-thirds of all babies born with Down syndrome (the most common reason for a woman to have the test) are born to women under 35.

A doctor may treat an older woman with more caution. More office visits, more testing, genetic counseling and screening for problems associated with pregnancy in an older woman may be recommended.

Labor and delivery options may be more limited; you might be discouraged from using a birthing center because your age "puts you at greater risk." However, good prenatal care can significantly reduce obstetrical complications associated with age. Most women into their 40s can have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies.

Older pregnant women are often well informed about pregnancy.
They are typically interested in what's happening to them and their developing babies, and they are willing to ask questions. They want to be part of the decision-making process in their health care. They usually seek prenatal care early and often prepare for pregnancy before getting pregnant. For these reasons, many researchers now believe risk does not increase greatly just because a woman is older. Other factors also influence a woman's health risks during pregnancy. Still, pregnancy in your 30s and 40s slightly increases the risk of some problems.