What Is a Geriatric Pregnancy? Here’s What to Know About the Outdated Term

It’s sexist and ‘shaming,’ says one expert.

The term “geriatric pregnancy” has long been associated with women who conceive and carry a child beyond the age of 35. Historically, this label was coined during a time when the average age of pregnancy was significantly younger than it is today. Back then, it was less common for women to start their families in their mid-30s or later. However, as society has evolved, so too has the age at which women choose to become mothers. This shift in maternal age can be attributed to various factors, including advancements in healthcare, education, and career opportunities for women.

In contemporary society, women have greater access to information about reproductive health and family planning, allowing them to make more informed decisions about when to start a family. Additionally, improvements in fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technologies have provided women with more options for extending their childbearing years.

Furthermore, the concept of a “geriatric pregnancy” has come under scrutiny in recent years due to its negative connotations and outdated terminology. Many healthcare professionals and organizations now prefer to use the term “advanced maternal age” to describe pregnancies in women over the age of 35. This change in terminology reflects a more respectful and sensitive approach to addressing the unique needs and concerns of older expectant mothers.

It’s important to recognize that women who choose to have children later in life often do so for valid reasons, such as career stability, financial readiness, and personal readiness. While advanced maternal age does carry some increased risks and considerations for both mother and baby, modern healthcare practices and prenatal care have made it possible for many women to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries later in life.

The landscape of motherhood has evolved significantly over the years, with women now having the freedom to make choices about their reproductive timelines. The term “geriatric pregnancy” may still linger in some medical literature, but it’s essential to embrace more inclusive and respectful language, recognizing that women can successfully navigate pregnancy and motherhood at various ages with proper care and support.

In recent years, prominent figures like Meghan Markle, Amy Schumer, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, and Eva Longoria have all become pregnant after the age of 35, drawing attention to the term “geriatric pregnancy” and its somewhat offensive connotations. This label implies that pregnancies in older women are automatically categorized as “high risk” due to potential complications and a higher risk of miscarriage.

The reality, as per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is that the age at which women have their first child has been steadily increasing. While the average age for a first birth is around 26.9, there has been a significant rise in first-time mothers aged 40 to 44 between 1990 and 2012. This shift in demographics reflects a broader trend in women delaying pregnancy for various personal, professional, and societal reasons.

Moreover, advancements in medical science and healthcare over the decades have made it safer and more feasible for older women to carry pregnancies to term successfully. These advancements have fundamentally altered the landscape of maternal care, providing more options and opportunities for older mothers.

Jamila Vernon, a senior manager of media relations and communications at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), points out that ACOG has never officially used the term “geriatric pregnancy.” Instead, they use the term “advanced maternal age” to describe pregnancies in women aged 35 or older. Vernon emphasizes the need to eliminate the term “geriatric pregnancy” from both lay and medical language.

Dr. Lubna Pal, an infertility specialist and director of The Menopause Program at Yale Medicine, concurs with this sentiment. She believes that the term “geriatric pregnancy” is not only outdated but also offensive and sexist. It places undue burden and scrutiny on women, with no equivalent term for men who impregnate women at an advanced paternal age, despite the associated health risks for the child.

Dr. Pal underscores the importance of modifying medical terminology to align with the changing demographics and needs of today’s world. She points out that advancing age during pregnancy can bring unique challenges, including an increased risk of conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, which are positively correlated with age. The physical toll of pregnancy can also be more pronounced in older women.

Considering the fetal perspective, it is crucial to acknowledge that as maternal age advances, the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome, tends to rise significantly. This highlights the essential nature of comprehensive prenatal care and rigorous testing protocols, which become even more critical for women who are 40 years and older, given the increased risk profile associated with advanced maternal age.

The necessity for heightened vigilance and thorough monitoring during pregnancy for these women cannot be overstated. In light of the potential elevated risks, it is imperative that healthcare providers offer an extended array of screening and diagnostic tests to assess the fetal health and chromosome status meticulously.

This multifaceted approach ensures that any potential issues are identified early, allowing for informed decision-making and appropriate medical interventions if necessary. It also empowers expectant mothers and their healthcare teams to work collaboratively to safeguard both maternal and fetal well-being throughout the pregnancy journey.

Dr. Pal, a prominent expert in maternal health, strongly advises that any woman within this age bracket consider and schedule a preconception consultation with her trusted physician. This consultation serves as a critical step in assessing her cardiac function and overall health status before embarking on the journey of pregnancy. This proactive approach not only ensures the well-being of both the expectant mother and her unborn child but also allows for early intervention and tailored medical guidance to mitigate potential risks associated with later pregnancies. Ultimately, it is a responsible and proactive measure that aligns with our commitment to providing the highest standard of care for women at all stages of their reproductive journeys.

In conclusion, the term “geriatric pregnancy” is a relic of the past that does not accurately reflect the changing landscape of maternal health and childbearing choices in our modern society. It is imperative to use more respectful and accurate terminology that empowers women and respects their reproductive autonomy. We must recognize the challenges associated with later pregnancies, including potential increased medical risks, while also celebrating the many advantages and benefits that come with having children later in life.

In this ever-evolving world, our language and medical practices must adapt and progress to meet the diverse needs of women choosing to become mothers at varying stages of life. This includes providing comprehensive and compassionate medical care and support to ensure the health and well-being of both mothers and their babies, regardless of their age. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding, we can better serve all individuals who embark on the beautiful journey of parenthood, regardless of their age, and ensure that every pregnancy is met with the care and respect it deserves.