More than ever before, obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/ Gyns) today are encountering an increasing number of patients who wish to conceive at an older age. This trend is illustrated by the fact that the total number of live births in women older than 45 years more than doubled from 1996 to 2006. The phenomenon of reproduction at an older age raises numerous medical to ethical issues as practitioners learn how to safely and effectively manage the older pregnant patient. However, data and experience in this area are both relatively sparse, and there is a gap in the education and preparation of many OB/Gyns caring for these patients. The purpose of this lesson is to improve the ability of physicians to effectively address these issues, including preparing a prenatal care plan for this group, identifying the complications unique to this patient population, and discussing the role that advanced paternal age may play.
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