From a biological standpoint, there is a limited window for getting pregnant from reproductive age until menopause. While there is a big window of opportunity, there is never a perfect time to have a baby. You may end up expecting much sooner than you imagined, or life may work out that you end up pregnant much later. Due to the higher risk stigma of pregnancy after age 35 or social norms and expectations, many women feel pressure to have children before age 35. The technical term for having a baby over 35 is advanced maternal age. There is a classification for pregnant women over age 35 because many risks increase in this age group. Labeling an expecting mother who is 35 as a higher risk from the start can come along with anxiety and stress. There are also benefits to being a parent in your mid-thirties or older. This episode examines the evidence behind the risks associated with advanced maternal age and what pregnancy over 35 means for you and your baby.

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Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners.

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