What You Should Know About Getting Pregnant Over 35, Part 1 of 2

The age of 35 is often treated as a turning point in pregnancy care, but as Dr. Meena Khandelwal explains, the truth is far more nuanced. While some risks increase gradually with age, much of the anxiety around the number 35 comes from outdated medical thresholds rather than sharp biological changes.

Note: This episode includes discussion of miscarriage and pregnancy loss. Please take care while listening.

Dr. Khandelwal is the Division Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Jefferson Abington Hospital. She specializes in high-risk pregnancies and provides comprehensive care for both parent and baby — from preconception counseling to advanced prenatal diagnostics.

In this episode, she offers clear, compassionate guidance on fertility timelines, prenatal vitamins, when to seek help conceiving, and how age, health and preexisting conditions all factor into pregnancy. She also discusses miscarriage, genetic testing options and what expecting parents over 35 can realistically expect.

Whether you’re starting to plan, actively trying, or just curious about what the research actually says, this episode is designed to bring reassurance, clarity and actionable insight.

Additional resources:

• What To Expect in the First 24 Hours After Giving Birth
• Understanding Uterine Anomalies: Implications and Treatments
• How To Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy