In California, the age of 35 is undergoing a transformation from being labeled as the onset of “geriatric pregnancy” to potentially becoming a maternal-age sweet spot.
This shift is significant as it challenges the stigma that women over 35 have historically faced in discussions surrounding fertility and motherhood. Recent research suggests that pregnancy at 35 and beyond may offer certain advantages, including potential improvements in brainpower post-menopause and a narrowing of the gender wage gap.
Statistics reveal that the average age of women giving birth in California is approximately 30.7 years, based on provisional CDC data. Notably, in 2023, 59% of babies born in the state had birth mothers aged 30 and above, with 27% being born to mothers aged 35 and older.
Jane van Dis, an OB-GYN and assistant professor at the University of Rochester, notes that regions with higher income and education levels tend to see increased instances of advanced maternal age. This trend is partly attributed to women in these areas intentionally delaying pregnancy for economic reasons. A 2018 analysis by The New York Times found that in San Francisco County, the average age for first-time mothers is 31.9 years.
Recent studies have provided insights into the benefits associated with pregnancy at age 35. A 2021 study published in JAMA Health Forum indicated that 35-year-old expectant mothers receive more prenatal monitoring and experience a slight decrease in prenatal mortality compared to their slightly younger counterparts.
The concept of “advanced maternal age” has long been associated with women aged 35 and older, stemming from studies conducted decades ago when the invasive genetic test known as amniocentesis was introduced. However, Alison Cahill, professor and associate dean of translation research at the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School, emphasizes that this classification is outdated, and there is no inherent significance to age 35.
It is essential to acknowledge that while certain risks, such as miscarriage, do increase after age 40, the jump is more significant compared to the risks at age 35. New guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend assessing pregnancy risks within narrower age groups, such as ages 35-39 and 40-44, rather than grouping all older mothers together.
Despite these shifting perceptions, Jane van Dis emphasizes the importance for women to understand their own physiology and potential fertility challenges well before reaching the age of 35.
In a recent poll conducted by the women’s social app Peanut, 40% of women in their mid-30s or older reported a positive change in language used by their healthcare providers, moving away from terms like “geriatric pregnancy” towards the more inclusive “35+ pregnancy.”
The evolving narrative surrounding pregnancy at age 35 reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes towards women’s health and motherhood, signaling a move towards more inclusive and supportive healthcare practices.
