"Advanced Maternal Age"

[Anonymous]

What kind of OB care should I expect with "advanced maternal age". With my first I was 38 at delivery and felt like my OB treated me the same as any 25 y/o, depite my expressing concerns/worries. Not really sure what additional monitoring or etc. I should have had, but others that I have talked to expressed surprise that I was not given additional monitoring at my age. Now I'm 40 and expecting #2? What should I be expecting/demanding to make sure I get good care? Any older mom's out there? How many ultrasounds? When? Other monitoring? Additional appointments? Non-stress tests?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

At 38, I don't think the standard of care is to do any extra monitoring. The "advanced maternal age" tag is basically to get insurance coverage for genetic testing, etc. For a delivery at 40, I think your age may effect your changes to develop certain complications during the pregnancy, but do not think it effects how you're treated at delivery.

[Anonymous]

I'm 40, and the only difference between myself and the younger patients is that my doctor offered me amniocentesis. Actually, I should say "pushed me to do amniocentesis" because I did not want to do it. Other than that, I'm following the same number of sonograms and appointments, same vitamins, same recommendations on everything, as all the other patients.

[Anonymous]

Had baby #2 3 months before the big 4-0 - was not treated differently. I was ready to do all genetic tests without prompting (we did CVS). I had a very easy pregnancy - my OB did not bat an eye at my age. I think I made more of a big deal about it than he did.

[Anonymous]

same here-I agree that you get more testing options included in your insurance but I think things are the same unless you have some health issues that are associated with advanced maternal age..and you really could have some of those issues even if you are younger.

[Anonymous]

My SIL was 36 with her first pregnancy. She did the CVS procedure per doctor's recommendation. She had a very easy pregnancy and there were no issues, age-related or otherwise.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP - only one thing to add - most of the differences in monitoring from one pregnancy to the next have more to do with red flags and real /current or potential complications....other than the genetic testing mentioned above. You may get more of this type of testing or opt out of it, but my guess is the additional testing will depend upon the course of your pregnancy. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I had all my babies at advance maternal age (37, 39, 41). The only thing i had special was an amnio for all of them. All births were fine - all vaginal (2 were natural). No special treatment or instructions. I think once i had a one child at 37 and then the second at 39 without any complications, the doctor didn't think there would be any issue with the third at 41! Good luck and congratulations!

[Anonymous]

I got a better/more sophisticated ultrasound out of it.

[Anonymous]

had first at 37, 2nd a month before 41. I was offered an amino, they really tried to talk me in to it on the first one, new doc on second, he was much more compliant with my wishes. I did not do it with either. Other than that, I think I was treated the same. I did have an ultrasound with every visit, but I was high risk with both for other reasons. I loved my ultrasounds. I think if you have a normal pregnancy, you will not be treated different. congrats.