Advanced Maternal Age: Moving Beyond ‘Geriatric Pregnancy’ Stigma

Dr. Esther Chung advocates for replacing the stigmatizing term ‘geriatric pregnancy’ with ‘advanced maternal age,’ emphasizing respectful language and modern fertility treatments like IVF and genetic testing for women over 35.

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Key Takeaways

Why ‘Geriatric Pregnancy’ Stigma Hurts Fertility Journeys

The outdated term ‘geriatric pregnancy’ perpetuates age-based stigma, discouraging women over 35 from seeking timely fertility care. Medical professionals like Dr. Chung now prioritize inclusive language to foster confidence and reduce anxiety.

Advanced Maternal Age: A More Respectful Term

The medical community favors ‘advanced maternal age’ to describe pregnancies in women over 35, aligning with clinical terminology and reducing negative connotations. This shift supports patient dignity while addressing valid health considerations.

IVF & Genetic Testing Benefits for Advanced Maternal Age

In vitro fertilization (IVF) combined with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) offers women over 35 higher success rates by identifying chromosomally normal embryos. These treatments mitigate age-related fertility decline while empowering informed decisions.

Dr. Esther Chung’s Approach to Fertility Advocacy

As an HRC Fertility specialist, Dr. Chung combines compassionate communication with cutting-edge treatments to address both emotional and medical needs of older mothers. Her Fox 5 interview highlights the importance of personalized care in advanced maternal age cases.

Language Matters in Fertility Counseling

Using non-stigmatizing terminology during consultations improves patient outcomes. Dr. Chung’s approach demonstrates how rephrasing conversations from ‘risks’ to ‘options’ helps women focus on solutions rather than limitations.

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