I’ve been pretty candid about the fact that our youngest was a complete and total surprise.

Don’t get me wrong, she was the best kind of surprise–and as it turns out a surprise that I quite literally want to eat on a daily basis–but a surprise nonetheless!

So much changes from your first to your last: Standards lower, schedules loosen up, and you learn to celebrate the little accomplishments (like just making it through a day). But another big difference with my third pregnancy versus my first two? My age.

To me, it was nothing–just a number. But as it turns out, in the strange world of baby-making, when you hit that 35 year mark, you’re officially considered to be of advanced maternal age.

Or, for those who like more flamboyant descriptors, you are experiencing a “geriatric pregnancy.”

Catchy, huh?

But before you start feeling all Sophia Petrillo and look into renting a winter house in Boca, just remember: You’re not old, your uterus is!

And there are some simple things you should know about having a baby at 35 or older that can make the journey a little bit easier.

Let’s dive in.

What You Need to Know About Having a Baby at 35 or Older

You’re so not alone

Some estimates put one in seven births in the United States these days to a woman 35 years or older.

Anecdotally, you probably need look no further than your own group of friends, or friends’ friends, to know at least one woman whose motherhood journey began in her mid-thirties.

With the number of women who pursue careers these days, it’s not uncommon to put off having kids until later than generations past. I was certainly in that category.

I also know personally that getting pregnant can be tough. But remember that you’re not alone. Stay positive! With an open heart and the right medical care, this can happen!

Your Doctor is There to Help

From planning to actual pregnancy care, you should consider your OB/GYN your friend along this journey.

First–they’ve heard it all. There’s not a question you can ask, or an emotion you’re having about pregnancy/trying to get pregnant that your doctor hasn’t heard before. Use her as a resource. Ask every question you might have. Share your feelings about your journey. If she can’t help directly, she can point you toward the next expert who can.

Invest in the Tools

Trying to get pregnant at 35 or beyond? Here are some first steps:

• Pick up an ovulation kit. This can help predict when you’re most fertile, to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
• Take a prenatal vitamin. This will help prep your body for pregnancy
• Get frisky on the regular. Duh. 😉
• If you don’t have any luck after six months, and you’re 35 or older, call our doctor to see if s/he suggests taking any additional steps.

Just remember, with the right care and preparation, “geriatric” is just another word in the dictionary! Just like 35… or 36, 37, 38, et al… is just another number.

Any other 35+ moms out there? I’d love to hear more about your journey! Talk to me in Comments below!

This post was sponsored by AdventHealth for Women, a group that’s committed to helping women achieve healthy pregnancies and deliveries.

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