The Beauty of Motherhood at 37: Rihanna Sparks a Conversation About Pregnancy After 35

Yvette Cordova, MD, maternal-fetal medicine specialist and OB-GYN, Jackson Medical Group

Rihanna has done it again, not just with another fashion moment, but by proudly embracing pregnancy at the age of 37. Her Met Gala announcement of her third baby is more than a celebrity headline. It’s a chance talk about pregnancy after 35.

Whether you’re a global superstar or simply exploring motherhood later in life, here’s what you should know about starting or growing your family after you turn 35.

What “Advanced Maternal Age” Really Means

If you’re 35 or older at the time of delivery, your pregnancy is considered, “advanced maternal age.” It’s a clinical term, not a judgment, and it doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy pregnancy. In fact, more women are choosing to have children later in life due to careers, personal goals, and medical advancements that support fertility and prenatal care.

Risks to Consider

While pregnancy after 35 is increasingly common, it’s true that the risk for certain complications goes up slightly with age. These may include:

• Reduced fertility: Egg quality and quantity decline with age, which may delay conception.
• Chromosomal abnormalities: The risk of having a baby with conditions like Down syndrome is higher, though screening and diagnostic testing are more advanced than ever.
• Pregnancy complications: Conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia are more common.
• Higher likelihood of C-section: Older moms are more likely to need surgical delivery.

It’s important to remember that risks don’t mean outcomes. With the right care, most women over 35 deliver healthy babies.

Prenatal Care Is Key

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy at 35 or older, early and consistent prenatal care can make a significant difference. As a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, I often work with women in this age group as well as women with high-risk pregnancies to offer personalized care. Some of the tools we use include:

• First-trimester genetic screening
• Non-invasive prenatal testing
• Targeted ultrasounds to assess fetal anatomy
• Frequent monitoring in the third trimester, especially if other risk factors are present

Supporting Maternal Wellness

Health in pregnancy goes beyond routine labs and ultrasounds. In order to feel your best, it’s essential to eat well, stay active, and get emotional support. If you’re over 35 and thinking about pregnancy, talk to your provider about any chronic conditions, lifestyle adjustments, or fertility questions you may have.

A Modern View of Motherhood

Celebrities like Rihanna help normalize and celebrate pregnancy at all ages. But you don’t need a red carpet to feel empowered in your journey. Whether this is your first baby or your third, your experience is valid, beautiful, and deeply personal.

The truth is, age is just one factor in a much larger picture. With advances in medicine and individualized care, motherhood after 35 is not only possible, but joyful, healthy, and empowering.

If you’re considering pregnancy and have questions about your health, risks, or what to expect, schedule a preconception consultation.
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To learn more about our maternal-fetal medicine services or to schedule an appointment, call 305-585-4636.

Liam Mendes, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons