Advanced Maternal Age and Induction

growingmybun · December 2013

Today at my appointment, I asked the doctor why she was performing NSTs each week and she replied that it was because of my age (35+) and that sometimes women of advanced maternal age have their placentas break down in the last weeks of pregnancy (thus, the baby is not nourished, and can unfortunately lead to stillbirth). It is for that reason that they don't want me to go past my due date (which is next week) and will induce. This all came as news to me. And, of course, I googled to see if there is any research backing this claim. It turns out that there is, but it seems more focused on the moms who are 40+. Anyone else hearing something similar? Of course, I will do whatever my doctor thinks is best, I was just taken aback and curious if others may be in the same boat.

peanutmuse · December 2013

I'm 36 and my OB has not mentioned it.

Jackapatamus · December 2013

I'm with peanut, 36+ and my dr. Has not mentioned it at all.

BABYROSEJEANS17 · December 2013

I'll be 36 this week and my OB feels that despite me being 35 she's not at all concerned given my health history nor has she mentioned anything to me (even though I ask at every visit). She's explained that every OB is different.

rowanthefrog · December 2013

I'm 35. My OB has told me they will let me go to 42 weeks but no further.

ETA I haven't had any NSTs either nor have they mentioned doing one.

A

thegosiers · December 2013

I'm 38yo, at 37 weeks I have not even had a NST yet.

growingmybun · December 2013

Thanks ladies. Perhaps I have an overly cautious Doctor.

jms1374 · December 2013

I am 39 and my doctor has mentioned inducing at 39 weeks, but not because of my age. Mine is because of my high blood pressure and the baby has been so non-reactive during the NST's that she doesn't really want to take any chances of something happening when he is considered full term at 39. She is giving us the option to refuse induction and wait--I am just hoping that he comes on his own before then so I don't have to make that decision because I will second guess myself no mater what I do.

LabPupLuv · December 2013

NSTs are fine, but I would get a second opinion though if she wants to induce you before 40 weeks because of age. I am 38 and was told my age would not be an issue. I get NSTs because of my pre-existing high bp though. I don't think there's any harm in NSTs, just be wary of early inductions if she's conservative. EDIT: just saw you will be induced at 40 weeks. At least it won't be early like 38 weeks or something like that. I've heard of early induction for placenta issues for women over 40, but at your age I might get a second opinion if your NSTs are normal.

cja06 · December 2013

I'm 35 and no mention of it by my doctor nor have we talked about NST. I've had a really uneventful pregnancy with this one so there have been no reasons to do anything but the standard tests.

susieandmarty · December 2013

I'm 35 and have not heard anything like this.

They mentioned they may induce at 40 weeks because I have had some movement issues but not before

nikkijd17 · December 2013

I'm 37 and my doc hasn't mentioned it either. They might induce at 41 weeks, but that's for other reasons.

twobluelines · December 2013

I am 40 and am either being induced or having a c- section at 40 weeks + 1 day. Baby is currently breech and we are trying an ecv tomorrow to turn her. If that is not successful the c- section the day after her due date.

laowaigringa · December 2013

I just turned 35 and had an NST at my last appointment a few days ago. I don't think it had to do with age, though. I've had a real chesty cough all last week that had finally started causing my back and ribs to hurt from coughing so much; I think once I mentioned my back was hurting she just wanted to check and make sure that it wasn't because I was actually having contractions but just didn't know it.

jwp325 · December 2013

I think this is one of those things that depends on the doctor. At my doctor's office, all women in the advanced maternal age category receive weekly NSTs starting at week 36. Also they don't let women go past 41 weeks regardless of age. I'm 35.

stellar77 · December 2013

I'm 36, had my 1st NST last week & sonogram. Both will continue since i delivered my DD at 36 weeks. She wants to keep an eye on my fluid & she did state she won't allow me to go past 40 weeks.

Because of the reasons you stated above.

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