There’s a lot of fear surrounding age and pregnancy. It’s as if awakening on your 35th birthday renders you conceptionally challenged. But why has that pressure been put on people? What does it really mean to have a baby after 35? And, what can we do to increase fertility at 35 and beyond?
In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Shannon M. Clark, MD, MMS, FACOG, double board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist
Shannon’s no nonsense approach offers the facts and busts the myths about birthing “later in life”. We also talk about being labeled as a “geriatric pregnancy”.
In this episode you will learn:
- About Shannon and her work.
- Shannon’s story about having a baby later in life.
- The facts and myths about “advanced maternal age”
- Options people have for increasing fertility after 35, both nonpharmacologic and medical modalities.
- Other benchmarks other than 35? 37? 40? (for example) that people should consider as they are family planning.
- How prenatal care differs as a person gets older.
- How does a pregnancy typically differ for people above 35?
- The risks for pregnancy and birth over 35.
- Shannon and Deb’s experiences as “older” mothers.
- One tip or piece of advice Shannon has for new or expectant parents.
- Where to find Shannon’s work!
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About Shannon:
Shannon M. Clark, MD, MMS, FACOG is a double board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist focusing on the care of women with maternal and/or fetal complications of pregnancy. After finishing medical school at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, KY, Dr. Clark completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. During her first year of residency, she realized her passion for taking care of women with complicated, or high-risk, pregnancies and subsequently pursued a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Masters in Medical Science at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX, where she is an Associate Professor with roles as a clinician, researcher, and educator. Dr. Clark has taken a special interest in pregnancy after the age of 35, which according to age alone, is considered a high-risk pregnancy. She was inspired not only by the experiences of friends and patients, but also by her own personal experience of trying to start a family at the age of 40. Dedicated to her education, training and career for 15+ years, Dr. Clark married at the age of 39 and started trying to start a family at age 40. After five failed cycles of IVF, she was able to become pregnant via egg donor and delivered twins Sydney Renée and Rémy Vaughn in September 2016.
Support Our Sponsors:
- Somfy: Learn more about Somfy powered motorized window coverings, or connect with a Somfy dealer in your area to get a customized quote for your home by visiting somfysystems.com/podcast.
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To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:
instagram & facebook: @prenatalyogacenter
Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center
