Uniting 35 and up moms

NASA research scientist Kelly Burke had her first baby at age 45 (from a cryopreserved embryo, frozen 19 years ago!). It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize the trend toward later-in-life pregnancies. At Texas Fertility Center, we proactively educate singles and couples about the odds for getting pregnant in their 20s, 30s and 40s. However, recognize that conception plans can get sidetracked. Whatever the age, we celebrate positive pregnancy tests … and wish our new moms the best. This includes 35 and up moms.

35 and up moms finding common ground

A former patient of Dr. Natalie Burger’s made it her mission to connect 35 and up moms with their peers. Austin mom Sharon Munroe was 40 when she started her family, and 44 and pregnant with her third when she gave birth to an idea. Her experience as an “at risk” obstetrical patient inspired Munroe to create a support network called the Advanced Maternal Age Project. It targets midlife moms, women who get pregnant for the first time after age 35.

Along with a Q&A with Dr. Burger, here’s what you’ll find on the Advanced Maternal Age Project website:

• Featured motherhood stories (a workshop will take place Sept. 21 in Austin for website contributors, so watch for new content soon)
• Parenting and pregnancy resources and podcasts
• Connections to women’s health experts, from acupuncturists and fitness professionals to fertility specialists and doulas.

You can watch more here, as Texas Fertility Center’s Dr. Burger contributes to a news story about the Advanced Maternal Age Project and ‘mothering in the middle.’

As one of the “Ask the Expert” contributors serving the online community, Dr. Burger says doctors are informing patients of the risks associated with getting pregnant after 40, but she feels called to share the positive aspects of parenting as an older mom. She says life experience and financial stability prepare women for later-in-life motherhood.

If you have questions about your fertility potential, including ovarian reserve (an estimate of eggs that remain in the ovaries), contact us.