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Pregnancy at Age 35 Years or Older

• Obstetric Care Consensus OC
• Number 11
• August 2022

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  • Background
  • Methods
  • Consensus Recommendations and Discussion
  • Health Equity
  • Further Research
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Number 11

Committee on Clinical Consensus–Obstetrics | Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

This Obstetric Care Consensus was developed jointly by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Clinical Consensus–Obstetrics in collaboration with Angela Gantt, MD, MPH, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in collaboration with Torri D. Metz, MD, MS, and with the assistance of Jeffrey A. Kuller, MD, and Judette M. Louis, MD, MPH, on behalf of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Alison G. Cahill, MD, MSCI, and Mark A. Turrentine, MD, on behalf of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Published concurrently in the August 2022 issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

SUMMARY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from 2020 demonstrate the continued upward trend in the mean age of pregnant individuals in the United States. Observational studies demonstrate that pregnancy in older individuals is associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes—for both the pregnant patient and the fetus—that might differ from those in a younger pregnant population, even in healthy individuals with no other comorbidities. There are several studies that suggest advancing age at the time of pregnancy is associated with greater disparities in severe maternal morbidity and mortality. This document seeks to provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for minimizing adverse outcomes associated with pregnancy with anticipated delivery at an advanced maternal age. The importance and benefits of accessible health care from prepregnancy through postpartum care for all pregnant individuals cannot be overstated. However, this document focuses on and addresses the unique differences in pregnancy-related care for women and all those seeking obstetric care with anticipated delivery at age 35 years or older within the framework of routine pregnancy care. This Obstetric Care Consensus document was developed using an a priori protocol in conjunction with the authors listed above.

Background

Purpose

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data from 2020 demonstrate the continued upward trend in the mean age of pregnant individuals in the United States. Nearly 19% of all pregnancies and 11% of all first pregnancies in the United States were in women aged 35 years and older 1. The mean age of women having their first birth in 2020 was 27.1 years compared with 21.4 years in 1970 1 2. This trend is not unique to the United States. Globally there has been a trend toward initiating pregnancy later, with most countries noting an increasing age at first pregnancy 3 4, thereby supporting the importance of addressing the risks associated with pregnancy later in life. Observational studies demonstrate that pregnancy in older individuals is associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes—for both the pregnant patient and the fetus—that might differ from a younger pregnant population, even in healthy individuals with no other comorbidities.

This document seeks to provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for minimizing adverse outcomes associated with pregnancy with anticipated delivery at an advanced maternal age. To align with literature that has historically used 35 years as the threshold to determine advanced maternal age (see Definition), this document will focus on pregnancy with anticipated delivery at age 35 years or older. However, it should be noted that this is an arbitrary threshold and, as discussed later, some risks associated with older age may not influence outcomes until later ages (ie, 40 years and older). The importance and benefits of accessible health care from prepregnancy through postpartum care for all pregnant individuals cannot be overstated. However, this document focuses on and addresses the unique differences in pregnancy-related care for women and all those seeking obstetric care with anticipated delivery at age 35 years or older within the framework of routine pregnancy care.

Definition

Historically, advanced maternal age has been defined as women who are 35 years or older at estimated date of delivery. This age cutoff was selected based on evidence of declining fertility and concern surrounding increasing risks for genetic abnormalities identified in the offspring of pregnant women older than age 35 years 5. More recent studies, such as the FASTER (First- and Second-Trimester Evaluation of Risk) trial and the NBDPS (National Birth Defects Prevention Study), have demonstrated a significant association between chromosomal abnormalities and possible congenital malformations in children born to women aged 35 years or older. However, the association appears to be on a continuum such that risks increase with increasing age at the time of the pregnancy 6 7. Likewise, studies evaluating the effect of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, which may exacerbate pregnancy-related morbidity, appear to demonstrate an increasing risk with increasing age at the time of pregnancy 8 9 10 11 12 13 14. Therefore, recognizing the possibility of progressive age-related risk, recent studies have commonly divided the age of individuals pregnant at age 35 years and older into 5-year increments: 35–39 years, 40–44 years, 45–49 years, and 50 years and older, which better stratifies the possible pregnancy risks associated with advancing age. To promote use of objective and more precise terminology, this document will use phrasing such as “pregnancy with anticipated delivery at [a specific age or age range] or older.”

Health Disparities

There are several studies that suggest advancing age at the time of pregnancy is associated with greater disparities in severe maternal morbidity and mortality 15 16 17 18. This underscores the need for clinical guidance to directly address these disparities and to promote equitable care. This is further addressed in the Methods, Consensus Recommendations, and Discussion sections.

Use Of Language

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recognize and support the gender diversity of all patients who seek obstetric and gynecologic care. In original portions of this document, the authors seek to use gender-inclusive language or gender-neutral language. When describing research findings, this document uses gender terminology reported by investigators. To review ACOG’s policy on inclusive language, see Inclusive Language at https://www.acog.org/clinical-information/policy-and-position-statements/statements-of-policy/2022/inclusive-language.

Methods

This Obstetric Care Consensus document was developed using an a priori protocol in conjunction with the authors listed above. The a priori protocol was modeled after the Clinical Consensus methodology, a full description of which is published separately 19. The description below is specific to this Obstetric Care Consensus document.

Literature Search

A literature search was performed from 2000 to November 2021 for clinical questions as noted in the outline, which included considerations for the prepregnancy, antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods. ACOG medical librarians searched Cochrane Library, Cochrane Collaboration Registry of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, PubMed, and MEDLINE for human-only studies written in English. MeSH terms and keywords can be found in Appendix 1 (available online at http://links.lww.com/AOG/C770. Search terms for racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and fetal outcomes for pregnancies that occurred at age 35 years or older were incorporated into the literature review, and recommendations were drafted with the intent to promote health equity and reduce these disparities. A bridge literature search was completed in November 2021. Any updated literature was incorporated into the text and recommendations, as appropriate.

Study Selection

Qualifying studies passed both title and abstract screen and full-text screen and met the following inclusion criteria: conducted in countries ranked very high on the United Nations Human Development Index 20, included female participants, and included all study designs. Studies were included in the evidence map if they passed full-text screen by the authors and were cited in the article to support a recommendation (Appendix 2, available online at http://links.lww.com/AOG/C771.

Consensus Voting and Recommendation Development

At a meeting of the Committee on Clinical Consensus–Obstetrics, a quorum of two thirds of eligible voting members was met, and the Committee held a formal vote for each proposed recommendation. Eligible voting members included representatives from both ACOG and SMFM. All recommendation statements met or exceeded the 75% approval threshold required for consensus.

Consensus Recommendations and Discussion

Summary of Consensus Recommendations

Antepartum Care

We suggest that pregnancy with anticipated delivery at age 35 years or older be recognized as a risk factor for adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes when counseling patients and determining management plans. Nuanced counseling will be dependent on specific age and comorbidities.

(GRADE 2C. Weak recommendation, low-quality evidence.)

We recommend daily low-dose aspirin for the reduction of preeclampsia for pregnant individuals aged 35 or older in the setting of at least one other moderate risk factor.

(GRADE 1B. Strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence.)

Given increased rates of multiple gestations for pregnant individuals with anticipated delivery at age 35 years or older, we suggest a first-trimester ultrasonogram.

(GRADE 2C. Weak recommendation, low-quality evidence.)

We recommend that prenatal genetic screening (serum screening with or without nuchal translucency ultrasonography or cell-free DNA screening) and diagnostic testing (chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis) options be discussed and offered to all pregnant individuals regardless of age or risk of chromosomal abnormality. After review and discussion, every patient has the right to pursue or decline prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing.

(GRADE 1A. Strong recommendation, high-quality evidence.)

We suggest a detailed fetal anatomic ultrasonogram for pregnant individuals with anticipated delivery at age 35 years or older given the increased risk of aneuploidy and potential increased risk of congenital anomalies in this population.

(GRADE 2C. Weak recommendation, low-quality evidence.)

Due to increased risk of both large-for-gestational-age and small-for-gestational-age neonates, we suggest an ultrasonogram for growth assessment in the third trimester for pregnant individuals with anticipated delivery at age 40 years or older.

(GRADE 2C. Weak recommendation, low-quality evidence.)

We suggest offering antenatal fetal surveillance for pregnant individuals with anticipated delivery at age 40 years or older given the increased risk of stillbirth.

(GRADE 2B. Weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence.)

We recommend proceeding with delivery in well-dated pregnancies at 39 0/7–39 6/7 weeks of gestation for individuals with anticipated delivery at age 40 years or older due to increasing rates of neonatal morbidity and stillbirth beyond this gestational age.

(GRADE 1B. Weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence.)

We suggest counseling that vaginal delivery is safe and appropriate if there are no other maternal or fetal indications for cesarean delivery. Counseling should include a discussion of the risks of cesarean delivery, the patient’s comorbidities, and the patient’s preferences and goals. Advancing patient age alone is not an indication for cesarean delivery.

(GRADE 2B. Strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence.)

Health Equity

We recommend that obstetrician–gynecologists and other obstetric care professionals be aware of the disproportionate rates of most adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in Black and American Indian and Alaska Native pregnant individuals aged 35 years and older. We recommend that they understand ways racism contributes to perpetuating these outcomes.

(Grade 1B. Strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence.)

Antepartum Care

We suggest that pregnancy with anticipated delivery at age 35 years or older be recognized as a risk factor for adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes when counseling patients and determining management plans. Nuanced counseling will be dependent on the pregnant individual’s specific age and comorbidities. (GRADE 2C)

 There are numerous observational and cohort studies evaluating the influence of age at the time of delivery on outcomes for pregnant individuals and their neonates. Overall, when compared with those of younger ages, women aged 35 years and older are at higher risk for complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, labor dystocia, and cesarean delivery 8 9 21 22. Older women are also at risk of delivering a neonate who is born preterm (spontaneous or iatrogenic), requires neonatal intensive care unit admission, and has low birth weight 10 23 24. More extensive evaluation of the data demonstrates that risks for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes are on a continuum, with risks increasing progressively with advancing age, particularly older than 40 years 8 9 11 12. Thus, pregnancy counseling and pregnancy care recommendations can be tailored better toward the individual if specific patient age is considered.

A retrospective cohort analysis using a large U.S. population database of nearly 34 million deliveries characterized pregnancy-related morbidity risk by age 25. Overall, women older than age 35 years were at increased risk of pregnancy-related morbidity compared with those aged 25–29 years. When evaluated in age-based increments (35–39 years, 40–44 years, 45–54 years), the risk increased with increasing age (relative risk [RR] 1.36, 95% CI 1.33–1.39; RR 1.83, 95% CI 1.77–1.89; and RR 3.33, 95% CI 3.03–3.66, respectively) 25. In addition, the investigators evaluated obstetric complications such as preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and gestational diabetes and found that advancing maternal age at the time of pregnancy was an independent risk factor for all of these obstetric outcomes. These risks increased incrementally such that pregnant women in the 45–54-year age group were at the highest risk 25.

Chronic medical disorders such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are more prevalent in pregnant individuals aged 35 years and older. Several large population-based studies have demonstrated small but statistically significant increases in body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) with advancing maternal age 26 27 28. Studies have shown that pregnant women aged 35 years and older are two to four times more likely to have chronic hypertension and nearly twice as likely to have type 2 diabetes mellitus as pregnant women aged 25–29 years 26 29. Similarly, women older than age 40 years had two to three times the risk of gestational diabetes compared with younger individuals 12 29. Even after controlling for baseline characteristics of prepregnancy hypertension and diabetes, older women remained at significant risk of developing preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

A large meta-analysis that combined 10 cohort studies of more than 1,000 patients per study comparing pregnant women aged 35 years and older with pregnant women aged 20–34 years confirmed the pregnancy risks associated with advancing age of the pregnant woman 30. The study controlled for prepregnancy conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension and analyzed data in 5-year age increments. Although not as pronounced as prior cohort studies, age alone was a risk factor for obesity, gestational diabetes, and hypertension, and women aged 35 years and older were more likely to undergo labor induction or cesarean delivery. Similarly, there was a small increased risk to neonates born to women aged 35 years and older, including low birth weight, preterm birth, low 5-minute Apgar score, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. The risk for each of these outcomes increased with increasing age increments of the pregnant woman 30.

We recommend daily low-dose aspirin for the reduction of preeclampsia for pregnant individuals aged 35 years or older in the setting of at least one other moderate risk factor. (GRADE 1B)

 Pregnant women aged 35 years and older have been found to be at increased risk for preeclampsia in several observational and cohort studies 3 8 9 10 12 13 21 31. The risk appears linear, with increasing age at the time of pregnancy leading to increased risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. One large meta-analysis evaluating the maternal and neonatal outcomes in women aged 35 years and older found that the risk for preeclampsia progressively increased with increasing age; however, the difference was statistically significant only in women aged 40 years and older 30. The increased risk remained even when controlling for pre-existing conditions independently associated with preeclampsia such as hypertension and diabetes.

A retrospective cohort study evaluating maternal outcomes of older-aged pregnant women used age 35–39 years as the referent group for comparison with pregnant women aged 40 years and older 11. Even when using the older referent group, there was an increase in preeclampsia with advancing age older than 40 years in the pregnant women. The RR for preeclampsia increased by 30% for women aged 40–44 years (RR 1.32, 95% 1.25–1.4) and more than doubled for pregnant women aged 45–59 years (RR 2.21, 95% 1.89–2.58) 11. Consistent with other studies, adverse outcomes increased within each age group compared with the referent group.

In their systematic review, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found evidence of a reduction in risk for preeclampsia (pooled RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75–0.95; 16 studies; I2=0%), preterm birth (pooled RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.67–0.95; 13 studies; I2=49%), small for gestational age or fetal growth restriction (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.99; 16 studies; I2=41.0%), and perinatal mortality (pooled RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.66–0.96; 11 studies; I2=0%) in individuals at increased risk for preeclampsia who took low-dose aspirin prophylaxis 32.

ACOG, SMFM, and the USPSTF recommend initiating low-dose aspirin therapy (81 mg/day), ideally between 12 and 16 weeks of gestation and continued daily until delivery in individuals at high risk for preeclampsia. The USPSTF determined that age 35 years and older is a moderate risk factor for developing preeclampsia. Therefore, individuals with pregnancies at age 35 years or older who have at least one high risk factor or at least one additional moderate risk factor qualify for low-dose aspirin therapy 32 33 34. Other moderate risk factors include nulliparity, obesity (ie, BMI higher than 30), family history of preeclampsia (ie, mother or sister), Black race (as a proxy for underlying racism), lower income, personal history factors (eg, low birth weight or small for gestational age, previous adverse pregnancy outcome, longer than 19-year pregnancy interval), and in vitro fertilization 32 34. High risk factors include history of preeclampsia, especially when accompanied by an adverse outcome; multifetal gestation; chronic hypertension; pregestational type 1 or 2 diabetes; kidney disease; autoimmune disease (ie, systemic lupus erythematous, antiphospholipid syndrome); and combinations of multiple moderate-risk factors 32 34.

Additionally, low-dose aspirin can also be considered if the patient has only one or more of the following moderate risk factors, regardless of their age: Black race (as a proxy for underlying racism) or lower income. The underlying risk to health is racism and not race. However, there are not yet adequate tools for measuring the known effect of racism on health. Therefore, in this document, Black race serves as a proxy for underlying racism. These factors are associated with increased risk due to environmental, social, structural, and historical inequities shaping health exposures, access to health care, and the unequal distribution of resources, not biological propensities 32 34.

Given increased rates of multiple gestations for pregnant individuals with anticipated delivery at age 35 years or older, we suggest a first-trimester ultrasonogram. (GRADE 2C)

 The incidence of multifetal gestation increases with advancing age at the time of pregnancy 35. Analysis of National Vital Statistics data from 2018 demonstrates an increased rate of twin births with increasing age of the pregnant woman, from 17.1 per 1,000 births in individuals younger than age 20 years to a high of 51.1 per 1,000 births in individuals aged 40–54 years 35. Women aged 30–39 years have a rate of twinning double that of individuals younger than age 20 years, and those who are older than 40 years have a rate of twinning that is triple that of women younger than age 20 years 35. Some of the increased risk for multiple gestation is likely due to increased use of ovulation induction and assisted reproductive technology; however, the proportion of twin pregnancies that result from assisted reproductive technology is not delineated in vital statistics data. A retrospective cohort study from Belgium (N=41,618) similarly demonstrates increasing rates of twin gestation with increasing age of the pregnant woman (2.8% at 25–34 years, 4.5% at 35–39 years, 5.5% at 40–44 years, and 10.9% at 45 years and older) 36.

There is an increased risk for nearly all pregnancy-related morbidities for pregnant individuals and neonates in multifetal gestations. Identification of a multifetal gestation, therefore, influences pregnancy management. The optimal time for determination of the number of fetuses is the first trimester and chronicity in the late first or early second trimester. ACOG’s Practice Bulletin on Multifetal Gestations: Twin, Triplet, and Higher-Order Multifetal Pregnancies provides an in-depth review of multifetal pregnancy, including the associated risks, complications, and management 37.

We recommend that prenatal genetic screening (serum screening with or without nuchal translucency ultrasonography or cell-free DNA screening) and diagnostic testing (chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis) options be discussed and offered to all pregnant individuals regardless of age or risk of chromosomal abnormality. After review and discussion, every patient has the right to pursue or decline prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing. (GRADE 1A)

 From birth to menopause, there is a natural and progressive decrease in oocytes and oocyte quality. This gradual decline accelerates during the fourth decade of life, likely due to changes in a myriad of hormone levels regulating the ovaries. Thus, an individual’s fertility rate will decline with increasing age, regardless of environment, exogenous hormone usage, or sexual activity. There is increasing risk for aneuploidy Table 1 and spontaneous abortion with declining fertility. The mechanism is likely related to increased chromosomal nondisjunction in the final stages of meiosis before ovulation. Several studies evaluating in vitro fertilization success rates have demonstrated that, despite normal-appearing embryos, the frequency of spontaneous abortion or aneuploidy increases based on the maternal age. In comparison, utilization of young donor eggs yielded similar live-birth rates regardless of maternal age at the time of pregnancy 38.

Not all chromosome abnormalities increase as maternal age increases. Sex chromosome trisomies, specifically 47, XXX and 47, XXY increase with increasing maternal age. In contrast, sex chromosome monosomy (ie, 45, X) does not appear to be affected by maternal age 39 40. Likewise, copy number variants are independent of maternal age at pregnancy 41. Paternal age may affect chromosomal abnormalities but is beyond the scope of this document.

Thus, although aneuploidy is not exclusive to individuals older than age 35 years, pregnant individuals should be aware that aneuploidy risk increases with age. Clinicians should be prepared to discuss options and availability of prenatal tests, both screening and diagnostic. If available, a genetic counselor may offer additional information regarding aneuploidy risk and options for carrier screening 41. Regardless, the decision to test and the decision to pursue a specific test should be shared between the clinician and patient based on patient values and test availability, regardless of cost.

We suggest a detailed fetal anatomic ultrasound examination for pregnant individuals with anticipated delivery at age 35 years or older given the increased risk of aneuploidy and potential increased risk of congenital anomalies in this population. (GRADE 2C)

 Early studies suggest that risk of a major congenital anomaly affecting a fetus, such as congenital cardiac disease and cardiac malformations, neural tube defects, renal anomalies, extremity anomalies, and diaphragmatic hernias, increases with pregnancy at age older than 35 years 42 43 44 45. More recent studies have conflicting results and challenge the assumption that age of the pregnant woman alone is a risk factor for a major congenital anomaly 28 46 47 48. The largest of these was a retrospective cohort study evaluating congenital anomalies in singleton pregnancies without aneuploidy 47. All patients underwent a second-trimester detailed fetal anatomic ultrasound examination. Detailed ultrasound examinations involve visualization of additional structures that would not typically be assessed in a basic ultrasound examination 49. These investigators found lower rates of congenital fetal anomalies in pregnant women aged 35 years and older compared with younger individuals (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.59, 95% CI 0.52–0.66). The anomalies that contributed most to the observed reduction were neural tube defects, renal anomalies, and abdominal wall defects. The frequency of congenital cardiac anomalies was similar across both age groups. An analysis comparing individuals aged 40 years and older with all other individuals demonstrated a similar decreased risk for congenital anomalies with older age. Perhaps improved prenatal diagnostic tests such as first-trimester screening and increased access to invasive testing more accurately identified a euploid pool for analysis. In addition, the authors hypothesize an “all or nothing” phenomenon in which fewer congenital malformations are noted during pregnancy because the increased rate of spontaneous abortion associated with advancing age at the time of pregnancy reduces the number of ongoing anomalous pregnancies 47.

Using smaller data sets, other recent studies have not demonstrated lower rates of non–chromosomal-related fetal structural anomalies in pregnant individuals older than age 35 years. These studies have demonstrated similar rates of such anomalies across all age groups of pregnant women 28 46 48. Pregnant individuals aged 35 years and older were at no greater risk than those in the younger referent groups.

In general, a detailed fetal anatomic ultrasound examination (Current Procedural Terminology code 76811) is recommended by ACOG, SMFM, and the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine in the setting of maternal age older than 35 years 49. However, it is worth noting that the increased risk in congenital malformations at the time of anatomic survey may be less than historically observed based on increased availability of aneuploidy screening, higher rates of miscarriage, and early ultrasonogram capability. Given the known increased risk of aneuploidy, a detailed fetal anatomic ultrasound examination is suggested, particularly for individuals without aneuploidy screening or testing.

Due to increased risk of both large-for-gestational-age and small-for-gestational-age neonates, we suggest an ultrasonogram for growth assessment in the third trimester for pregnant individuals with anticipated delivery at age 40 years or older. (GRADE 2C)

 Both large-for-gestational-age and small-for-gestational-age occurs in neonates at higher frequencies as maternal age increases. In a prospective cohort study of 11,328 deliveries in Spain, rates of macrosomia increased progressively, with 12% in women younger than age 35 years, 12.6% in women aged 35–39 years, and 15.4% in women aged 40 years or older 50. Similarly, small for gestational age increased across the same age categories (14.0%, 15%, and 17.4%, respectively). The association between abnormal birth weight and age 40 years or older remained significant after adjustment for tobacco use, gestational diabetes, and hypertension, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.29 (95% CI 1.04–1.59) for small for gestational age and 1.27 (95% CI 1.01–1.59) for large for gestational age 50.

In a retrospective cohort study (N=41,618), rates of birth weight less than 2,500 g increased with increasing maternal age, classified as 25–34 years (6.7%), 35–39 years (6.9%), 40–44 years (10.0%), and 45 years and older (16.4%). Some of the observed risk is likely secondary to an increased rate of preterm birth. The authors also found an increased frequency of birth weight higher than 4,500 g with increasing age, classified as 25–34 years (0.72%), 35–39 years (1.14%), and 40–44 years (1.17%), with a slight decrease in prevalence at 45 years and older (0.95%) 36. Similarly, a retrospective cohort study using National Vital Statistics Data demonstrated an increase in small for gestational age (birth weight less than 5%ile) in women older than age 40 years 51.

Although the above data demonstrate increased risk of growth abnormalities in fetuses of women older than age 40 years, there is insufficient evidence to recommend ultrasonography for growth assessment in the third trimester for individuals aged 35–39 years in the absence of other risk factors for large-for-gestational-age or small-for-gestational-age neonates.

Although growth ultrasonograms may already be performed in clinical practices given the associated birth weight abnormalities, there are no data to guide recommendations regarding timing or frequency of ultrasound assessments in individuals aged 40 years and older. In many cases, ultrasonogram timing and frequency will be dictated based on other comorbidities or pregnancy complications.

We suggest offering antenatal fetal surveillance for pregnant individuals with anticipated delivery at age 40 years or older given the increased risk of stillbirth. (GRADE 2B)

 There is increased stillbirth risk associated with advancing age at the time of pregnancy. In 2013, the stillbirth rate in the United States among all pregnant individuals was nearly 6.0 per 1,000 pregnancies that extended beyond 20 weeks of gestation. Rates were highest in older women: 10.1 stillbirths per 1,000 births for women aged 40–44 years and 13.8 per 1,000 births in women older than age 45 years 52. Notably, the association between stillbirth and age of the pregnant woman persisted with age 35 years and older, even when controlling for confounding risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes.

Using the National Center for Health Statistics data set of nearly 5.5 million singleton pregnancies without congenital anomalies, one study sought to determine risk of fetal death for ongoing pregnancies by gestational week and patient age 53. In this data set, the risk of stillbirth increased with increasing gestational age for all ongoing pregnancies beyond 37 weeks of gestation; however, there is a distinct increased risk associated with age at the time of pregnancy 53 Figure 1. The risk of stillbirth at 37 to 41 weeks of gestation was 1 in 382 ongoing pregnancies for women aged 35–39 years and 1 in 267 ongoing pregnancies for women 40 years and older 53. The cumulative risk for stillbirth per 1,000 pregnancies through 41 weeks of gestation increased for older women, with a risk of 6.2 in those younger than aged 35 years, 7.9 in those aged 35–39 years, and 12.8 in those aged 40 years and older. By 41 weeks of gestation, the RR for stillbirth was threefold higher for those aged 40 years and older compared with those younger than age 35 years.

Another study sought to determine the stillbirth rate by gestational age and age ranges of pregnant women using the CDC database of more than 6.3 million singleton pregnancies 54. After excluding pregnancies complicated by congenital anomalies and maternal medical comorbidities, the stillbirth rate was calculated by age at delivery in 5-year increments. Age was an independent risk factor for stillbirth, with a rapid increase in stillbirth rate occurring between 37 and 41 weeks of gestation. The authors created a cumulative risk model and found that the risk of stillbirth in women aged 40–44 years at 39 weeks of gestation was comparable with the risk at 42 weeks in women aged 25–29 years 54.

A study analyzing birth data from Scotland evaluated the association between age at the time of pregnancy and unexplained stillbirth from 1997–2003, using a referent group of women aged 20–24 years 55. Those who were aged 35–39 years had increased odds of stillbirth for any pregnancy (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.21–2.19) and for nulliparous pregnancies (aOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.10–2.98). Those who were aged 40 years or older had increased odds of stillbirth for any pregnancy (aOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.45–3.83). The result was no longer statistically significant when the population was narrowed only to nulliparous pregnant patients older than age 40 years (aOR 2.03, 95% CI 0.63–6.52), likely secondary to a smaller sample size in this subset 55.

A retrospective cohort study of all women with singleton pregnancies at a single institution from 1989–2004 (N=126,402) found that age 40 years and older was associated with stillbirth at 28–31 weeks of gestation (aOR 2.93, 95% CI 1.76–4.92), 32–36 weeks of gestation (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.05–2.83), and 40–41 weeks of gestation (aOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.18–4.4) 56. Other retrospective cohort studies similarly demonstrate increased risk of stillbirth for women aged 40 years and older, with more modest or no association between age 35–39 years and stillbirth 36 57 58 59 60.

The benefit of antenatal fetal surveillance to reduce the risk of stillbirth in this population remains unknown secondary to a lack of interventional trials or adequately powered observational studies to examine the rare outcome of stillbirth 61 62. Nonetheless, ACOG and SMFM have already established guidance that “suggests surveillance for conditions for which stillbirth is reported to occur more frequently than 0.8 per 1,000 (the false-negative rate of a biophysical profile [or modified biophysical profile]) and which are associated with a relative risk or odds ratio for stillbirth of more than 2.0 compared with pregnancies without the condition.” 63 Based on this rationale, available data support offering antenatal fetal surveillance for pregnant individuals with anticipated delivery at age 40 years and older given the increased risk of stillbirth. However, for individuals aged 35–39 years, there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine antenatal fetal surveillance in the absence of other risk factors for stillbirth, and whether to offer surveillance to these individuals should be individualized.

There are no data on which to base recommendations regarding the timing and frequency of antenatal surveillance. Stillbirth risk for women older than age 40 years begins to increase at 34 weeks of gestation, with the greatest rise in risk occurring at 39 weeks of gestation and beyond 53. Based on data that demonstrate a steady increase in the risk of stillbirth beginning at 33 weeks of gestation 53 Table 1 and existing studies that initiate fetal surveillance between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation 61 62, it is reasonable to initiate antenatal fetal surveillance between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation.

We recommend proceeding with delivery in well-dated pregnancies at 39 0/7–39 6/7 weeks of gestation for individuals 40 years and older due to increasing rates of neonatal morbidity and stillbirth beyond this gestational age. (GRADE 1B)

 Because of the increased stillbirth rates in older individuals, several cohort studies have evaluated the potential benefits of induction of labor before 40 weeks of gestation as a preventative strategy for stillbirth. A national cohort study in Denmark evaluated stillbirth rates in 830,000 births over 12 years, during which a national effort to increase induction of labor as a modality to decrease stillbirth was implemented. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in stillbirth rates during this period after the 37 th week of gestation. Women at high risk for stillbirth, including those older than age 40 years, were included in this targeted intervention of earlier induction of labor 64. Other studies have been underpowered to detect a difference in stillbirth 4.

Both observational and randomized controlled trial data demonstrate no increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes and potential benefit of induction of labor between 39 0/7 and 39 6/7 weeks of gestation. A retrospective cohort study demonstrated a nadir in the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes at 39 weeks of gestation for women of all ages. The largest magnitude of RR for neonatal morbidity with advancing gestational age was identified among women older than age 40 years (adjusted RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01–1.52 at 40 weeks of gestation) 65.

One randomized controlled trial specifically evaluated the effect of induction of labor compared with expectant management on the rate of cesarean delivery in women aged 35 years and older 66. More than 600 women were randomized to labor induction between 39 0/7 and 39 6/7 weeks of gestation compared with expectant management up to 42 weeks of gestation. Participants in this study did not have antenatal surveillance unless indicated for reasons other than advanced patient age at the time of pregnancy. Overall, there was no difference between groups in the cesarean delivery rate (32% induction of labor vs 33% expectant management, RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.87–1.14). There were also no differences in secondary maternal outcomes such as intrapartum and postpartum complications or neonatal outcomes such as stillbirth or neonatal intensive care unit admission 66.

The ARRIVE (A Randomized Trial of Induction Versus Expectant Management) study randomized 6,106 nulliparous, low-risk women to induction of labor between 39 0/7 and 39 6/7 weeks of gestation compared with expectant management. The study had adequate power to evaluate a composite primary outcome of perinatal death or severe neonatal complications and a principal secondary outcome of cesarean delivery. There was no difference in the primary perinatal outcome between the induction group and the expectant management group (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.64–1.00; P=.049). There were decreased rates of cesarean delivery (18.6% vs 22.2%, RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.76–0.93, P<.001) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (9.1% vs 14.1%, RR 0.64,95% CI 0.56–0.74, P<.001) with induction of labor 67. In a prespecified subgroup analysis of women aged 35 years or older compared with those younger than age 35 years, there were no differences in the results for the primary neonatal composite outcome or cesarean delivery.

Timing of delivery is a shared decision-making process, with consideration of maternal and fetal factors. The rate of stillbirth at 39 weeks of gestation in women aged 40 years and older is nearly the same as the rate of stillbirth for women aged 25–29 years who are beyond 41 weeks of gestation 53 54. Therefore, delivery in well-dated pregnancies at 39 weeks of gestation or later for individuals aged 40 years and older should be considered. In the absence of additional maternal or fetal comorbidities, the evidence for elevated stillbirth risk in individuals aged 35–39 years is not sufficient to support a clear recommendation regarding timing of delivery beyond routine practice. Nonetheless, induction of labor after 39 0/7 weeks of gestation decreased cesarean delivery rates and incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, even in a low-risk population, with no increase in adverse neonatal outcomes 67 68.

We suggest counseling that vaginal delivery is safe and appropriate if there are no other maternal or fetal indications for cesarean delivery. Counseling should include a discussion of the risks of cesarean delivery, the patient’s comorbidities, and the patient’s preferences and goals. Advancing patient age alone is not an indication for cesarean delivery. (GRADE 2B)

 The 2016 National Vital Statistics data highlight a significant difference in overall cesarean delivery rate related to age at the time of pregnancy. The cesarean delivery rate was 40% for women aged 35–39 years and nearly 48% for women older than age 40 years 69. A population-based cohort study analyzed 10 years of Washington State birth certificate data and found a progressive increase in cesarean delivery with increasing age of the pregnant woman. Pregnant women younger than age 35 years had a 20% cesarean delivery rate, compared with nearly 26% and 37% for pregnant women aged 35–39 years and 45–49 years, respectively 70. A large retrospective study of 1.3 million births in California demonstrated a similar stepwise increase, with a cesarean delivery rate of 40.5% in women aged 35–39 years, 47.3% in women aged 40–44 years, 55.6% in women aged 45–49 years, and 62.4% in women aged 50 years and older 29. Although the rates in each age category were lower in a retrospective cohort study in Belgium (N=41,618), there remained a stepwise increase in the rate of primary cesarean delivery with increasing age of the pregnant woman, classified as 25–34 years (8.9%), 35–39 years (15.2%), 40–44 years (17.8%), and 45 years and older (27.3%) 36. A 2010 systematic review identified 21 studies with ORs between 1.39 and 2.76 for the association between age older than 35 years and cesarean delivery. However, a meta-analysis could not be performed to obtain a pooled estimate given the heterogeneity of the results 71. Despite numerous observational, population-based studies demonstrating an association between older age at the time of pregnancy and cesarean delivery 18 29 31 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94, most of these studies do not detail the indication for cesarean delivery, and the etiology of the higher rate remains unknown.

Because cesarean delivery is associated with increased maternal morbidity compared with vaginal birth, the observed increased rates of cesarean delivery with advancing age of the pregnant individual likely translate to increased maternal morbidities. A retrospective cohort study using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample compared outcomes for women older than age 35 years who had a planned primary elective cesarean delivery with those who had a planned vaginal birth. Planned primary elective cesarean delivery was associated with a higher in-hospital mortality ratio and numerous other serious complications Table 2 95. These risk data can be used when counseling older patients regarding planned mode of delivery.

Advancing patient age alone is not an indication for cesarean delivery. Decisions regarding mode of delivery need to incorporate counseling regarding the risks of cesarean delivery, individual comorbidities, and patient preferences.

Health Equity

We recommend that obstetrician–gynecologists and other obstetric care professionals be aware of the disproportionate rates of most adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in Black and American Indian and Alaska Native pregnant individuals aged 35 years and older. We recommend that they understand the ways racism contributes to perpetuating these outcomes. (GRADE 1B)

 The maternal mortality rates for individuals who identify as American Indian and Alaska Native and non-Hispanic Black are more than double and triple, respectively, the rate for those who identify as non-Hispanic White 15. The top five causes of maternal death—cardiovascular conditions, infection or sepsis, hemorrhage, thrombotic embolism, and cerebrovascular accidents—are more common in populations disproportionately affected by racism and historical inequities. An observational study that evaluated the CDC Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System data for maternal mortality trends determined a pregnancy-related mortality risk ratio of 3.2 for non-Hispanic Black women compared with non-Hispanic White women. This ratio increased to 4.9 for non-Hispanic Black women aged 35–39 years and 3.6 for women aged 40 years and older 16.

Similarly, fetal outcomes including preterm birth (both spontaneous and iatrogenic), small for gestational age, and stillbirth occur more frequently in some racial and ethnic groups that are disproportionately affected by social and structural barriers to care and inequitable access to care. The infant mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black and American Indian and Alaska Native infants (10.7/1,000 live births and 7.9/1,000 live births, respectively) is double the rate for non-Hispanic White infants 96. Evaluation of adverse fetal or neonatal outcomes collected from the National Center for Health Statistics database demonstrates that fetal risk progressively increased with increasing patient age of 30 years and older at the time of pregnancy. The risk was most pronounced in individuals who identified as non-Hispanic Black and American Indian and Alaska Native 17. Another study evaluated chronic stress (weathering) and race on the risk of preterm birth. Overall, they determined that the risk of preterm birth increased for all populations aged 35 years and older but significantly more in the non-Hispanic Black population 18.

There are fewer and sometimes conflicting data regarding other vulnerable populations. Studies using earlier databases suggest comparable, if not slightly better, outcomes for Hispanic populations compared with non-Hispanic White populations 16 18 97. Although severe maternal morbidity and mortality rates in Hispanic women remain lower than in non-Hispanic Black and American Indian and Alaska Native populations, prevalence of these adverse outcomes exhibited the highest increase in Hispanic women 98. More research regarding these shifts is warranted, as well as a better understanding of how these risks may change with advancing age at the time of pregnancy.

Given these disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, obstetrician–gynecologists and other obstetric care professionals should consider systems-based and individual strategies to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care and outcomes. At a systems level, strategies may include conducting internal assessments of barriers and facilitators to providing equitable care, implementing unconscious bias and communication training, and advocating for patient input in decision making. In addition to reflecting on their own biases, individual clinicians can advocate for anti-racist policies and practices within their health care systems and follow an anti-racist framework when conducting research.

Further Research

The definition of advanced maternal age (35 years and older) has led to research that, in many instances, dichotomizes patient age to younger than 35 years and 35 years and older. As demonstrated in numerous observational studies, age-related risks increase with increasing age. Therefore, some of the findings of increased risks associated with pregnancies in women aged 35 years or older may be largely driven by pregnancies in individuals who have pregnancies at older ages, such as older than 40 years or older than 45 years. Future research should clearly delineate risk by age category to allow for recommendations for individuals within a specific age range based on evidence and use objective, clear phrasing.

There are no robust data evaluating whether antenatal fetal surveillance reduces the risk of stillbirth in this population, and there are limited data regarding the timing and frequency of testing. There are also limited data regarding disparities and whether the risks associated with older age of a pregnant individual are increased in different populations, including different racial and ethnic populations (Hispanic ethnicity and Asian and American Indian and Alaska Native populations). Prior research has also grouped all patients of Hispanic ethnicity in a single group, whereas various countries of origin and community-level factors may also influence outcomes. More granular data regarding race and ethnicity will need to be collected as part of future analyses.

Appendices

Supplemental Digital Content

A. Literature search strategy: http://links.lww.com/AOG/C770

B. Evidence Map: http://links.lww.com/AOG/C771

Conflict of Interest Statement

All ACOG committee members and authors have submitted a conflict of interest disclosure statement related to this published product. Any potential conflicts have been considered and managed in accordance with ACOG’s Conflict of Interest Disclosure Policy. The ACOG policies can be found on acog.org. For products jointly developed with other organizations, conflict of interest disclosures by representatives of the other organizations are addressed by those organizations. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has neither solicited nor accepted any commercial involvement in the development of the content of this published product.

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Published online on July 21, 2022

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Pregnancy at Age 35 Years or Older. Obstetric Care Consensus No. 11. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol 2022;140:348–66.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reviews its publications regularly; however, its publications may not reflect the most recent evidence. A reaffirmation date is included in the online version of a document to indicate when it was last reviewed. The current status and any updates of this document can be found on ACOG Clinical at acog.org/lot.

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Topics Aneuploidy Antepartum fetal surveillance Aspirin Congenital abnormalities Health equity Maternal age Ultrasonography Read on Obstetrics & Gynecology

Reaffirmed 2025

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May 2023 Correction

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Figures & Tables

Figure 1. Risk of Fetal Death per 1,000 Ongoing Pregnancies by Week of Gestation. Reprinted from Reddy UM, Ko CW, Willinger M. Maternal age and the risk of stillbirth throughout pregnancy in the United States. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2006;195:764–70. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2006.06.019. Copyright 2006, with permission from Elsevier.

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Table 1. Chromosomal Abnormalities in Second-Trimester Pregnancies Based on Maternal Age at Term*†

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Table 2. Outcomes for Planned Elective Cesarean Delivery Compared With Planned Vaginal Delivery Among Women 35 Years of Age or Older

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Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Grading System: GRADE Recommendations

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