What Is Geriatric Pregnancy?

I’m sure you’ve heard of the term ‘geriatric pregnancy’, perhaps in passing on the maternity ward, or on one of the many information pamphlets we are bombarded with during pregnancy. – wondering what it means? Read on below…

What is defined as a ‘geriatric pregnancy’?

Any pregnancy in a woman over the age of 35. Sounds quite unfair, right? 35 is hardy old let alone ‘geriatric’! However, this classification stands due to the proven increased risks of pregnancy past this age.

What are the risks of a geriatric pregnancy?

Please note that this isn’t intended to scare anyone! If you’re older than 35 and trying for a baby, PLEASE be assured that your doctors and midwives will take amazing care of you. The risks of the following are increased – however you should get extra monitoring!

Premature labour
Low birthweight
Stillbirth
Chromosomal defects such as Down Syndrome
Complicated labour
Need for a caesarean

What are the causes of a geriatric pregnancy?

I bet you’re rolling your eyes at this question and thinking ‘well duh, sex’!

That’s not precisely what I mean. I’m talking about factors that make a geriatric pregnancy more likely…

Flippancy with contraception; often due to assuming a woman is starting her menopause!
A sudden surge in fertility – this is very common prior to menopause.
Women who previously didn’t want babies, who waited for various reasons, or who have met new partners and want to start a family.