Advanced Maternal Age (AMA)

Abstract

Many women are delaying childbearing into their later reproductive years for various reasons. Pregnancies in women aged >35 years are considered Advanced Maternal Age (AMA) and they are at risk of both obstetric complications and interventions. Earlier the AMA were termed as “elderly primips”, “elderly or older moms”, “elderly multips”, “delayed pregnancies”, or “late maternal age”. The risks of AMA is more while comparing with its minimal distinct advantages. The risks for specific prenatal concerns include fetal loss, chromosome anomalies, multiple births, maternal medical risks like hypertension, pre-gestational diabetes, gestational diabetes and complications in labour and birth are placenta previa, caesarean birth, preterm and very preterm birth, placental abruption and low birth weight. Pregnancy after age 35 can be emotionally challenging. Preconception care and preparation for parenting are essential. The trend of increasing advanced maternal age requires unique care and implications from service providers and the health care system. The Nurse/Midwifes place an important role in all these aspects.