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AMA – Advanced Maternal Age

At Reproductive Wellness, we know that more and more couples are choosing to wait later before starting a family. If you are in the greater San Diego area including La Jolla, La Mesa, Bonita, Chula Vista, Poway, Carlsbad and Del Mar and have concerns about AMA or advanced maternal age, our wellness centers provide services focused on holistic fertility, even if you are 35, 40, or older. Whether you are working with fertility doctors, have suffered a miscarriage in the past, or have unexplained infertility issues, we know that achieving your best possible health physically, emotionally, and spiritually has an impact on your ability to become pregnant.

What is AMA? Many define advanced maternal age as women over the age of 35, who may be at a greater risk of certain health conditions or complications. Women are born with a limited supply of eggs; our bodies do not produce eggs after birth, the number actually continues to decrease as we age. Additionally, as you approach age 35, 40, or older, the quantity and quality of eggs decline. This often makes it more difficult for women to become pregnant. If you try to conceive over a period of five or six months unsuccessfully, it may be time to seek guidance.

Risks of Advanced Maternal Age

There are certain risks associated with AMA, however more women than ever before are choosing to delay starting a family until they reach their mid-30s or even older. These risks include:

Multiple pregnancy. Women of an advanced maternal age are more likely to have twins or multiples due to the fact more eggs could be released simultaneously because of hormonal changes. If you have experienced fertility issues, you may turn to IVF or other assisted reproductive technologies which often result in multiple pregnancies.

Pregnancy loss. Miscarriage and stillbirth are more common among older women for several reasons, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic medical conditions. The decline in egg quality as you age may also play a role, along with other factors.

High blood pressure and gestational diabetes. Women of an advanced maternal age tend to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy more often than younger women. Gestational diabetes (diabetes related directly to pregnancy) is more common among older women as well, and may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure or giving birth prematurely.

These are some of the risks of becoming pregnant at an advanced age, but it is important to keep in mind that many of these are within your control. Medical supervision and self-care are essential to a healthy, happy pregnancy regardless of age. It may take a little more effort, but it is well worth it!

Acupuncture, integrative medicine, nutrition, and your overall well-being are all things that can have a great positive impact for those with AMA issues. While there are increased risks with becoming pregnant at a later stage in life women do it every day, successfully carrying healthy babies to term. If you are a woman or couple concerned about advanced maternal age or other factors that could impact your fertility, we can help. We invite those in San Diego, La Jolla, La Mesa, Bonita, Chula Vista, Poway, Carlsbad, Del Mar and surrounding areas to contact Reproductive Wellness Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine today at 858-381-2281.