If you live in the Bay Area, you’ve likely heard that 35 is the “advanced maternal age” line. It can feel sudden—like a cliff you fall off on your birthday. In reality, risk increases gradually with age, and modern prenatal care is designed to tailor screening and support to your exact needs. You are not “too old” at 35 or 37, and many patients have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies in their late thirties and early forties with thoughtful, evidence-based care.
What “Advanced Maternal Age” Actually Means
Clinicians use advanced maternal age (AMA) to describe a pregnant patient who will be 35 or older at the estimated due date. The term originated when invasive diagnostic testing was the primary option for genetic screening. Today, because noninvasive prenatal screening is available to all pregnant patients, the age line is less of a switch and more of a reminder to personalize care as age-related risks rise.
Is 35 still considered AMA? Yes.
Is AMA automatically “high-risk”? Not necessarily.
Your overall health, pregnancy history, whether you’re carrying multiples, and any new findings during prenatal care help determine whether your pregnancy follows a standard pathway or includes additional support from Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM).
How Risk Changes From 35 to 40 and Beyond
Risk does not suddenly jump at 35—it trends upward gradually throughout the thirties and forties.
Genetic Conditions
As age increases, so does the likelihood of chromosomal differences such as trisomy 21.
Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can detect common trisomies with high sensitivity as early as the first trimester.
Miscarriage
Miscarriage risk rises gradually with age due to egg-quality factors, though most pregnancies still progress normally.
Hypertensive Disorders & Gestational Diabetes
Rates increase with age, but early counseling, baseline labs, and targeted monitoring reduce surprises and support healthy outcomes.
Third Trimester Considerations
After 36–37 weeks—especially for patients 40+—clinicians may monitor placental function, fetal growth, and stillbirth risk more closely.
Which Pregnancy Age Range Is Riskiest?
Statistically, pregnancies at 40+ carry the highest rates of complications. But individual risk varies widely, and many forty-plus pregnancies proceed smoothly with close monitoring and timely delivery planning.
Can You Have a Healthy Baby at 35, 37, or 38?
Yes. Most patients in these age ranges deliver healthy babies.
Population studies show that the early to mid-twenties carry the lowest baseline obstetric risk—but this is not the same as the right age for you. Your health, readiness, support system, and access to care matter just as much.
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Is having a baby at 37 too old? No.
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Should you have a baby at 38? If medically cleared and aligned with your goals, 38 can be an excellent time to try.
With the right screening and monitoring, outcomes are often excellent across the late thirties.
How We Individualize Screening and Counseling
At Renaissance Healthcare for Women in Mountain View, your plan begins with your medical history, goals, and personal circumstances.
Preconception or Early Pregnancy Visit
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Cycle review, medications, supplements
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Vaccine updates
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Baseline labs
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Optimization steps: folate, vitamin D, lifestyle guidance
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Telemedicine available for convenience
First Trimester
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NIPT at ~10 weeks
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First trimester ultrasound for dating
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Carrier screening (if not yet completed)
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Planning for second trimester anatomy scan
Genomics-Informed Counseling
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Interpreting NIPT results in context
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Discussing screening vs. diagnosis
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Coordinating CVS or amniocentesis when needed
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MFM consultation for complex findings
Second Trimester
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Anatomy ultrasound (18–22 weeks)
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Gestational diabetes screening (24–28 weeks)
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Preterm birth risk assessment for indicated patients
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Optional PreTRM blood test at 19–20 weeks
Third Trimester
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Fetal growth assessments and nonstress testing as needed
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Birth plan updates
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Shared decision-making on delivery timing
Patients wishing to minimize clinic visits can use secure telemedicine for education, result reviews, and planning. Concierge membership offers longer visits, direct messaging, and faster scheduling.
Is AMA Always “High-Risk”? When We Involve Maternal Fetal Medicine
AMA alone does not mean high-risk.
MFM is involved when specialized testing or surveillance adds value, such as:
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Diagnostic genetic testing (CVS/amnio)
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Higher-order multiples
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Fetal anomalies on ultrasound
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Growth concerns
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Complex medical conditions
Your primary OBGYN team remains your home base, and coordination with MFM is seamless.
Delivery Timing, Induction, and What to Expect
Do AMA Patients Deliver Early or Late?
Spontaneous labor varies at any age.
After 39 weeks, elective induction is commonly discussed for AMA patients to reduce the small but increasing stillbirth risk and avoid post-term complications.
For patients 40+, many clinicians recommend planned delivery during the 39th week, based on data showing lower stillbirth rates without increasing cesarean rates.
Does AMA Mean a Higher Chance of C-Section?
No.
Most AMA patients deliver vaginally. Labor progression is evaluated the same way regardless of age.
Practical Pregnancy Timeline at a Glance
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Preconception: Consult 3–6 months before trying
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6–10 weeks: Pregnancy confirmation, dating ultrasound, NIPT
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18–22 weeks: Anatomy ultrasound
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24–28 weeks: Gestational diabetes screening
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32–36 weeks: Growth assessment, Tdap, preregistration, classes
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36–41 weeks: Group B strep testing, induction planning if needed
Concierge Care & Telemedicine for AMA Pregnancy in Mountain View
Your schedule matters. We offer:
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Secure telehealth visits
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Concierge membership with direct clinician access
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Same-day or next-business-day appointments
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Local coordination for fetal ultrasound in Palo Alto
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Optional Palo Alto genomics testing for women prior to conception
Bottom Line
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Risk increases gradually—not dramatically—after 35.
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Most patients aged 35–38 have healthy pregnancies with modern screening.
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AMA does not automatically mean high-risk.
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Early planning, NIPT, and tailored monitoring support confident decision-making.
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Delivery planning often targets 39 weeks, especially after 40.
If you’re considering pregnancy or recently had a positive test, schedule a preconception or early pregnancy consultation in Mountain View.
Call (650) 988-7830 or visit 2495 Hospital Drive, Suite 515, Mountain View, CA 94040.