What age does the NHS class as an 'older mum'?

[nicolamumof3]

Im 35yrs old (and 6days!) we are now ttc dc4 and am wondering if i am now an older mum and will routinely be asked for more tests i.e for downs etc?

Certainly here there's no difference now that combined test for downs (nuchal scan and blood tests at 12 weeks) is routinely offered to everyone. May be different elsewhere as not all areas yet routinely offer this.

I'm 42 and get the same antenatal care as anyone else. My age is of course on my notes, but no special mention of being 'older' or any additional tests. You're definitely not old at 35!!

Think where I am it is over 38 and all mums (regardless of age ) are offered blood test (not set up for Nuchal scans yet) for risk factor for Downs and if then considered high risk all offered amnio. Age 35 alone would not trigger any further investigations/consultant care here.

phew i had it in my head that 36 or possibly 35yrs was classed as 'older mum', my last ds is 3.2yr now so a while since i've been pg

If you ask my (very judgemental) gp, the time to be having your babies is when you're 17 as she 'can't abide these older women who financially plan every aspect of when to get pregnant and then come to me looking for fertility treatment when they can't conceive' Wish I'd gone with my gut instinct of smashing her in the face after that but think I was too shocked!

I was 35 when I dd and was routinely referred to as "older mum". Had the nuchal screening and no special treatment though.

The only time it was an issue was when I was admitted to antenatal ward due to unstable lie and polyhydramnious and noone could believe I was expecting my first at such an advanced age! I swear all the others were between 17 and 21 and it made me feel positively ancient!

The technical medical term for a pregnant woman 35 or over is senile gravida

Pretty sure there would be a more flattering term if it were men having the babies!

I had DC3 at 42 and had no extra tests. In fact I didn't have any - but that was my choice! None of the mw seem that bothered I was so old... but think there are a lot of us about where I live!

i chose to have the blood tests for downs etc when I was pg at 34. Am now pg again (almost 38) and am getting the nuchal scan this time, but AFAIK that's coz they offer it to everyone as standard now & not just because I'm "ancient"

I was most astonished about the lack of fuss made of me and my pregnancy when I was expecting DS4 at 43 .

You will be offered the same tests as anybody else; your overall risk will depend much more on your general medical and obstetric history.

IME, nobody advised us for or against having diagnostic tests ie amnio and CVS done. We were given the information and left to decide ourselves what we were comfortable with.

Good luck with your pregnancy!

FWIW, when my mum had me at 24, any woman over 25 was considered an 'elderly primigravida' if she was expecting her first

Thank you so much for all your replies. I only had my coil removed two weeks ago so just ttc atm. Under no illusions it will be quick or easy now im older like the others were but so great to hear all your replies. thanks!

I'm 37yrs and expecting dc#2 and fully expected to have lots of "ooh you are getting on a bit now" but my midwife said that they are not concerned with you now until you are 39 or over. So I'm surprised to find myself considered at low risk with just midwife care. We also get the quad test whatever your age in this area.

I am 35 and 27 weeks with DC3 - in my first appt with the consultant, she called me.....GERIATRIC!!! I mean, how rude!! Having said that, I do feel it!

Senile gravida.... FFS....

My best friend had her 1st baby about 18 months ago, at 28, and she was referred to as 'an older mum'.