Does being 40 or over make pre-eclampsia more likely in pregnancy?

Yes, being 40 or older increases the risk of developing pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.¹²

Why Age 40 or Over Affects Risk

• Vascular Changes: As you get older, your blood vessels naturally experience changes in elasticity and function, which can affect how the placenta develops and receives blood flow.¹²
• Underlying Conditions: Being 40 or older is also more commonly associated with pre-existing conditions—such as chronic high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes—that independently raise the risk of pre-eclampsia.¹²
• Risk Categorization: Major health organizations (including the National Institutes of Health and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) recognize advanced maternal age (typically defined as 35 or older, with higher risk tiers as age increases past 40) as a notable risk factor.¹²³

What Else to Keep in Mind

• Not a Guarantee: Being 40+ increases your statistical risk, but many people in this age bracket have healthy, normal pregnancies without pre-eclampsia.¹²³
• Other Contributing Factors: Age is just one piece of the puzzle. Other factors—such as whether it is your first pregnancy, a multiple-gestation pregnancy (twins or triplets), a family history of pre-eclampsia, or pre-existing health conditions—add to the overall picture.¹²³
• Proactive Measures: If you are at a higher risk, obstetricians often recommend preventive strategies, such as taking a daily low-dose ("baby") aspirin during pregnancy, alongside regular blood pressure and health monitoring. You can learn more about general support and care considerations for pregnancies later in life via Tommy's.¹²³

If you'd like, tell me:

• How many weeks pregnant you are (or are planning to be)
• Whether this is your first pregnancy
• Any other health conditions (like high blood pressure or diabetes)

I can help share more specific context or what questions to ask your doctor.

Yes. According to the NHS Pre-eclampsia Overview and clinical guidelines, being aged 40 or over is officially recognized as a moderate risk factor for developing pre-eclampsia.¹²

Key Clinical Context

• Moderate Risk Classification: In clinical frameworks (such as NICE Guidelines on Pre-Eclampsia via Action on Pre-eclampsia), maternal age of 40 or older is grouped alongside other moderate risk indicators like a first pregnancy, a pregnancy interval of 10+ years, a BMI of 35 or higher, or a family history of the condition.¹²
• Cumulative Risk: Having a single moderate risk factor (like being 40+) means your healthcare team will monitor your blood pressure and urine more closely. If you have one high-risk factor (such as pre-existing chronic hypertension, kidney disease, or diabetes) or two or more moderate risk factors, guidelines typically recommend starting low-dose aspirin (usually from 12 weeks of pregnancy) to help reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia.¹

Would you like to share if this is your first pregnancy or if you have any other risk factors? I can give you more specific information on what discussions to have with your midwife or OB-GYN.

Yes. Being 40 or older when pregnant does increase the risk of developing pre-eclampsia, compared with being pregnant at a younger age.

Age 40 and above is recognised as a risk factor in pregnancy, although it does not mean you will necessarily develop the condition.

Why does age increase the risk?

As maternal age increases, there can be changes in:

• Blood vessel function and flexibility.
• The way the placenta develops and attaches.
• The body's ability to adapt to the increased cardiovascular demands of pregnancy.

These factors can contribute to a higher risk of pre-eclampsia.

What does this mean for aspirin?

According to UK NICE guidance:

• Age 40 or over is classed as one moderate risk factor.
• If you have two or more moderate risk factors, you should generally be offered low-dose aspirin (75–150 mg daily) from 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• If you have one high-risk factor, aspirin is also recommended.

Age alone does not automatically mean you need aspirin. Your midwife or obstetrician should assess your overall risk. www.nice.org.ukwww.nhs.ukwww.rcog.org.uk

Symptoms to watch for

Contact your maternity unit immediately if you experience:

• A persistent or severe headache.
• Blurred vision or flashing lights.
• Pain beneath your ribs.
• Sudden swelling of your face or hands.
• Feeling unusually unwell.

Can I ask you two things?

Are you currently pregnant, and if so, how many weeks?

And is this your first pregnancy?

I can explain how being over 40, alongside your pregnancy history, affects your individual pre-eclampsia risk.