Final answer:
The age of 35 is considered advanced maternal age because fertility begins to decline more rapidly, egg quality decreases, and there is a higher risk for pregnancy-related complications and chromosomal abnormalities like trisomy 21. Healthcare professionals use this distinction to provide guidance and manage the increased risks for mothers and their babies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why is 35 Considered Advanced Maternal Age?
The term advanced maternal age is used to describe when a woman becomes pregnant at or after the age of 35. This term is employed by healthcare professionals due to the increased risks associated with pregnancy as a mother's age increases. As data from American Family Physician suggests, the incidence of having a fetus with trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, increases dramatically with maternal age, particularly after the age of 30, with a notable spike at age 35 and beyond.
Furthermore, female reproductive fertility begins to decline after the age of 30, with a more rapid decrease after 35. This decline in fertility is due to both a reduction in quantity and quality of eggs. The chances of anovulatory cycles, where no egg is released, are higher, and the eggs that are released are more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities which can increase the risk of miscarriages and genetic conditions in the offspring.
In addition to fertility challenges, older mothers also face higher risks during pregnancy and delivery. This includes a higher chance of complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and the need for interventions such as cesarean sections. The success rate of fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) also declines with age, further highlighting the challenges associated with pregnancy at an advanced maternal age.