It is increasingly common for women to delay marriage, yet concerns about advanced maternal age (AMA) persist. With advancements in medicine, do the implications and risks associated with advanced maternal age remain unchanged? Let’s take a closer look.
Definition of Advanced Maternal Age
The optimal reproductive years for women fall between 25 and 34. Pregnancy at or above age 35 is known as advanced maternal age pregnancy. During this age range, egg quality and fertilization rates decline, which also reduces the chances of natural conception. Additionally, the risks during pregnancy and childbirth are slightly higher compared to younger ages.
Age and Natural Fertility
- Ages 30-34: approximately 15% natural conception rate
- Ages 35-39: approximately 10% natural conception rate
- Ages 40-44: approximately 5% natural conception rate
- Age 45 or above: approximately 1% natural conception rate
Women are born with millions of eggs, but only about 400 mature and are released throughout their lifetime. After the age of 30, ovarian function declines due to factors such as pollution, medications, viruses, and aging. This decline makes conception more challenging as women grow older. Women under 30 have a 25-30% chance of achieving a successful pregnancy, with fertility beginning to decrease around age 32.
Can IVF Technology Extend the Age of Conception?
Due to the decline in egg quality and other factors contributing to lower natural conception rates among older women, IVF technology has gained attention in recent years. While IVF can increase the chances of conception at an advanced maternal age, it is important to note that the success rate of IVF decreases as the age of the mother increases.
Age and General IVF Success Rates
- Below age 35: approximately 41.5% success rate
- Ages 35-37: approximately 31.9% success rate
- Ages: 38-40: approximately 22.1% success rate
- Ages 41-42: approximately 12.4% success rate
- Ages 43-44: approximately 5% success rate
*Based on statistics from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists regarding the success rates of general IVF procedures.
Furthermore, a range of innovative medical treatments and assistive technologies are accessible to older mothers. Selecting the appropriate treatment is essential to reduce the need for repeated procedures and to save both time and money.
Reject Labels and Embrace a Vibrant Life
Advanced maternal age pregnancy refers to pregnancy occurring after the age of 35, but this is simply a medical definition and does not imply that pregnancy is inappropriate beyond this age. There is no need for labels or concerns. In fact, pregnancies at advanced ages are quite common today. Even with an increased risk of complications, early detection and treatment can still result in a high likelihood of successful delivery. If you are not planning to have children now but might consider it in the future, you can preserve high-quality, healthy eggs through egg freezing. There are many paths to pursue in life; stay true to yourself and work toward your ideal lifestyle.