The term “Advanced Maternal Age” has been the go-to phrase for women expecting babies after the age of 35, but it seems like the medical community is reviving the term “Geriatric Pregnancy.” As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand how these labels can impact a woman’s experience during pregnancy, especially when she’s already navigating the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.
Having witnessed numerous patients who conceive later in life, I understand the anxiety and stress that terms like “advanced maternal age” can induce. Many women express feeling overwhelmed by the constant reminders of potential risks associated with later pregnancies. The phrase “geriatric pregnancy,” while technically accurate, carries an implication that can be detrimental to a woman’s mental health. It conjures images of frailty and decline rather than the joy of bringing new life into the world.
It’s important to remember that the medical community has shifted its language to be more sensitive and supportive, which is why “Advanced Maternal Age” was introduced. However, the return to “Geriatric Pregnancy” seems to undermine these efforts. In clinical terms, it refers to pregnancies in women aged 35 and older, but it also evokes antiquated notions that can scare expectant mothers.
Consider the terminology “Elderly Multigravida,” which denotes a woman who is pregnant for the second time or more while being 35 or older. Seeing this on a medical record could be alarming. It’s hard not to question the rationale behind such terminology—who benefits from labeling women in their 30s and 40s as “elderly”? Clearly, this nomenclature isn’t serving the best interests of our patients.
Statistics show that more women are having healthy pregnancies later in life. For instance, in the past year, over half a million infants were born to women aged 35-39, and more than 111,000 were born to those between 40-44. Yes, age-related risks exist, but they are not exclusive to pregnancy; they are a universal truth of aging. It’s crucial that we communicate these risks without imposing outdated and alarming labels that don’t reflect the realities of modern pregnancy.
As Dr. Amelia Hart, an obstetrician-gynecologist, wisely puts it, “I avoid using terms like ‘high risk’ because they can create a negative mindset. We need to be informative without being derogatory.” This sentiment rings true when discussing “geriatric pregnancy.” It’s time to stop labeling women in their 30s and older having healthy pregnancies as “old” and instead focus on the positive aspects of their journeys.
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In summary, while terms like “advanced maternal age” and “geriatric pregnancy” may come from a place of clinical accuracy, their implications can be far more harmful than helpful. As we continue to support women through their pregnancies, let’s choose language that empowers rather than diminishes their experience.