I'm pregnant and over 35 – should I worry?

You've probably heard the term "high-risk pregnancy due to age" or "advanced maternal age". These terms can be scary, but it's important to understand what they actually mean.

Age 35 does not represent a boundary between a 'normal' pregnancy and a 'high-risk' pregnancy. In reality, age-related risks increase gradually over time and are influenced by many other factors, such as your health status, pre-existing conditions, lifestyle habits and how your pregnancy is progressing.

It's true that, as you get older, some complications become slightly more common. Because of this, you may have some tests or more personalised care. However, the vast majority of women aged 35 or over will have a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.

Age is just one of many factors that healthcare professionals consider when supporting a pregnancy. Much more important than a number is how the pregnancy progresses and the care you receive throughout these months.

Your age is part of your story, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Every pregnancy is unique and deserves to be supported by looking at the woman as a whole, and not just at a number.