The New Norm
Studies show that the average American woman is having her first baby at 30 years old, as of 2022.
The median age of motherhood has been consistently rising for the last few decades. ACOG reports that the average age of first time mothers is rising globally. Women all over the world are choosing to have babies later in life.
I think this opens up such a variety of questions, such as WHY is this trend showing up, what does this mean for maternal and infant mortality, and how can we help support women over 30 through pregnancy and childbirth in a culture that shouts phrases like 'Advanced Maternal Age' and 'High Risk'.
1. Why is this trend showing up?
“Fertility rates of women ages 20-24 fell by about 42% when comparing rates from 1990 to 2019. During the same time period, however, the rates of women ages 35-39 grew by 67%” (Gleaton)
We are seeing a rise of infertility in younger women, with a decreasing amount of live births from women in this age category. I personally believe this is deeply affected by the psychophysiological effects of our social structures, the rise in chronic illnesses we are seeing in young American people, and the effects of feminist culture encouraging women into the workforce. From a historical perspective, fertility rates dipped (and then quickly increased) following both the 1918 pandemic and the recession in the 1950s. We may be experiencing a similar trend due to the effect of current events on young people's mental and social states.
2. What does this mean for maternal and infant mortality?
"There are several studies that suggest advancing age at the time of pregnancy is associated with greater disparities in severe maternal morbidity and mortality." (ACOG)
This fear-based information is commonly fed to pregnant women over 35, typically coming with a 'high-risk' label, extra testing, inductions, and more interventions that are often unnecessary. I believe this trend of rising maternal age is offering us an opportunity to flip this narrative and create new statistics based on the health and well-being of women today.
It is no secret that our country has been in a public health crisis with obesity and disease at the forefront, and pharmaceutical companies leading our culture- but the 'millennial' women may be making waves. Social media has created spaces for women to learn about alternative healing, create change for their families, and connect with providers and change makers who are here to help. Midwifery and home birth rates are also rising, creating spaces for women to feel supported with continuity of care and a better chance for good outcomes- for mom and baby.
3. How can we help support women over 30 through pregnancy and childbirth?
Stop spreading fear. Start spreading hope. Education around fertility, women's health and the adverse effects of birth control needs to begin at a younger age so women have an opportunity to make choices that are in alignment with their current and long-term desires.
Women who are pregnant in their thirties should seek prenatal care from a trusted provider that does not have fear around 'advanced maternal age'. Quality care providers are invested in the well being of the whole woman and baby and provide informed consent so that mothers can make choices that are right for each individual case.
Sources:
Morse, Anne “Fertility Rates:Declined for Younger Women, Increased for Older Women.” https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/04/fertility-rates-declined-for-younger-women-increased-for-older-women.html
Gleaton, Kenosha ‘The Rising Median Age for Giving Birth.’ https://natalist.com/blogs/learn/the-rising-median-age-for-giving-birth
ACOG. ‘Pregnancy at Age 35 Years or Older’. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/obstetric-care-consensus/articles/2022/08/pregnancy-at-age-35-years-or-older
Xo, MM
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