Moms Unite through the Advanced Maternal Age Project
- Category: News
- Posted On:
- Written By: Mark Denker, M.D.
Are you age 35 or older and trying to conceive or parent a small child? Dr. Mark Denker wants you to know about the Advanced Maternal Age Project, a non-profit founded to support today’s mothers of “advanced age” when they start a family.
At Palm Beach Fertility Center, we know that infertility is not the only factor that delays getting pregnant. Circumstances like building a career, or finding a life partner, can also put family planning indefinitely on hold. More and more women are facing the unique challenges of mothering in their late 30s to early 40s, and they are feeling isolated.
What is the Advanced Maternal Age Project?
Founder Sharon Munroe conceived for the first time at age 40 and created the Advanced Maternal Age Project this year in response to her own experiences.
Her goals align with Dr. Denker’s philosophies, and the patient programs that Palm Beach Fertility provides:
- Share resources.
- Provide support.
- Educate physicians and healthcare professionals about the emotional needs of over-35 mothers.
The Realities of Advanced Maternal Age
Regardless of why you find yourself at 35 and childless, it’s time to see a fertility specialist. The fact is, getting pregnant is less likely as women age. Dr. Denker always advises women to consider maternal age when deciding when to start a family.
- Fertility testing, including measuring anti-mullerian hormone levels, can help predict ovarian reserve (the number of eggs left).
- Fertility treatment, including donor eggs with IVF, can help circumvent a depleted ovarian reserve.
Tired, But Wise
When asked if she identified herself as an “older mom,” one woman told the Advanced Maternal Age Project: “It means I am tired. It also means I have wisdom to share with my kids and experience to teach them more.”
If you can relate, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the Palm Beach Fertility Center Facebook page. If you are not pregnant, over 35 and hoping to have a baby soon, contact Dr. Denker for a fertility workup.