AMA is defined as 35 years or older at the estimated time of delivery. This feels harsh to say, we know. This designation was created in the 1970s to indicate patients who had higher risk of fetal chromosomal problems like Down syndrome and was made as a billing code for women who wanted to pursue testing for these issues. There are some issues with being pregnant at an older age but those risks are largely based upon your overall health status, not your age alone.