What are the risks for advanced maternal age pregnancies?

Advanced maternal age refers to women who are 35 years old or older at the time of pregnancy. Compared to younger pregnant women, those of advanced maternal age may face increased risks such as gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, chromosomal abnormalities, multiple pregnancies, and other pregnancy-related complications. The details are as follows:

1. Gestational Hypertension

As women age, their blood vessels gradually lose elasticity, reducing their ability to adapt to the expansion of blood volume during pregnancy. This may lead to elevated blood pressure and increase the risk of gestational hypertension, potentially resulting in adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight.

2. Gestational Diabetes

With increasing age, pancreatic function may gradually decline, leading to insufficient insulin secretion. This means insulin cannot effectively regulate blood glucose levels, thereby increasing the risk of developing gestational diabetes. This may also raise the likelihood of complications such as preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, and placental insufficiency.

3. Chromosomal Abnormalities

As women age, the quality of their eggs gradually declines. Since eggs are a key component of embryos and carry chromosomal genetic information, aging can lead to chromosomal abnormalities in eggs—such as missing, duplicated, or structurally abnormal chromosomes—increasing the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities.

4. Multiple Pregnancy

With advancing age, ovarian function gradually declines and ovarian hormone secretion decreases. In response, the body may compensate by increasing hormone production to stimulate ovulation. This hormonal increase may cause multiple eggs to develop and mature simultaneously, raising the risk of multiple pregnancies.

5. Pregnancy Complications

Older pregnant women may have more pre-existing chronic health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease, all of which can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Common complications include placental abruption and amniotic fluid embolism, which may seriously affect the health of both mother and fetus.

It is important to note that although advanced maternal age carries additional risks, this does not mean every older pregnant woman will experience these problems. Regular prenatal check-ups, following medical advice, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet can help reduce these risks and support the well-being of both mother and baby.