A “geriatric pregnancy” is an outdated term used to describe a pregnant person 35 years of age or older. While geriatric pregnancies are considered high-risk pregnancies, the majority result in healthy babies. Specialized prenatal care for pregnant people age 35 and older can ensure a healthy pregnancy.
The new term is now “Multigravida of Advanced Maternal Age.” Being an older childless woman and the fact that I was able to conceive at 48 and deliver a perfect little human was absolutely amazing to me. No matter what term I would see on my paperwork at the doctor’s office or however anyone wanted to verbally describe my pregnancy, I knew that I was special, that my time had finally arrived. The promise of motherhood was finally upon me and God chose me to be the very special vessel that would carry and give life to this miracle.
Fortunately for me, I did not receive any negativity from any of my team of doctors, and when I say team, I truly had a team of several. First and foremost, my IVF specialist in Mexico for whom I will forever be eternally grateful. Then there was my team which consisted of 4 doctors in the office of OB/GYN. These 4 men and their staff were a little shocked initially; however, as my pregnancy progressed, their shock turned into amazement. I was treated with such warmth and compassion. Thirdly, there was my primary care doctor who was so awesome. He was my first and biggest cheerleader; he was so invested in me and my pregnancy. He and his staff were there for me from day one. At 14 weeks, came my high-risk doctor; she was the only women doctor on my team, but she was the only one I needed. They all were great, and when I say not one of them treated me any different than a 20 or 30 year old pregnant woman, that is an understatement.
Fast forward to my delivery. Once again, I was met with nothing but warmth, compassion, and amazement. I delivered my daughter on a Friday afternoon via C-section and I’ll never forget the way the NICU nurse looked at me the next morning. When I was wheeled through the doors to see my baby girl, I was in full makeup with my hair done wearing my cute gown and robe, She looked at my chart then looked at me, and she said: “Oh my, I just realized you are 49 and you had a C-section yesterday. You are here looking marvelous!” After I wiped the huge grin off my face, I told her “yes I have to keep up because I have a beautiful baby and she deserves a beautiful mommy.”
It was an absolutely wonderful experience. I was never at any point during my pregnancy or the delivery made to feel as if I was old “Multigravida.” Of course, I knew my age and I knew the risks involved; however, I know my God and I knew he had already put all of this together. My baby girl, my team of doctors, and my husband were all chosen and were all put in their place to make this happen, and no matter what term that was outdated or what current lingo is being used, I was a woman, a pregnant woman, and I was going to be a mother. The only name that matters to me now and forever is the one I hear 100+ times a day, and that is Mommy!
Never let anyone or any term define you. If God has put something in your heart, whether it is a pregnancy, going back to school, starting a business, etc., then letting society determine your decision can and will be worse than the actual outcome of achievement or otherwise. We as women have enough pressure on us from the current cancel culture trend; however, they can’t cancel your dreams, your hopes, your desires. Only you can. No matter your age, young or old, go for your dream. I did and that dream is now a reality. Make it happen and forever bask in your decision. You have nothing to lose, and you will never know until you try.
