New survey shows many are unaware of advancements in obstetrics care

Age is just a number for hopeful mothers

2025-10-15

(Press-News.org) EMBARGOED UNTIL WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025 AT 12:01 AM ET

Age is Just a Number for Hopeful Mothers New survey shows many are unaware of advancements in obstetrics care

ORLANDO, FL — While delaying motherhood is a growing national trend, a new Orlando Health survey reveals a widespread public misconception. Over half of Americans (54%) believe women cannot give birth safely in their 40s. At Orlando Health, doctors are breaking down these misconceptions and empowering hopeful mothers through advanced testing and technology that ensures safer pregnancies.

"Pregnant women over the age of 35 are no different than other younger patients," said Natasha Spencer, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist at Orlando Health. "In my clinic, one-third of my maternity patients are of advanced maternal age and they have routine, uncomplicated pregnancies."

Dr. Spencer encourages her older patients to start with preconception counseling to best optimize their health, including adjusting medications and screening for early pregnancy risks, such as diabetes. For the baby, she recommends heart ultrasounds, anatomy scans, and chromosomal testing.

These comprehensive precautions are in place to ensure the safety and health of both mother and baby during the full term of the pregnancy. Yet, the survey found that less than half of Americans (41%) are aware of the technology and testing available to decrease risks for a healthy baby after 35 years old.

"We can diagnose issues earlier, giving us a head start on things that may not initially appear normal," said Dr. Spencer. “We now have specialists, treatments, and management strategies for individuals who may not have a typical pregnancy. Women can feel confident about having children later in life.”

Melissa Holmes felt uneasy when she discovered she was pregnant at 42 with her second son. Facing health challenges like painful uterine fibroids, she worried about carrying a healthy pregnancy. A miscarriage in her early thirties only intensified her fears.

“I didn't want to prepare myself and get excited for something that wasn't going to happen,” said Holmes. “But then I made an appointment with Dr. Spencer and she assured me that everything would be okay.”

Holmes began taking supplements, such as iron and prenatal vitamins, and underwent testing for abnormalities. She was also referred to a high-risk doctor to ensure her baby was growing strong. By following the guidance of her Orlando Health care team, she safely welcomed her baby boy, Jayceon, into the world.

“I just wanted to do things differently this time around,” said Holmes with tears in her eyes. “Now, my son is the reason I pursue my dreams. There are plenty of women out here giving birth in their 40s. It can be done, and it can be done graciously."

To help clear up common misconceptions, Dr. Spencer encourages all women considering motherhood to seek guidance, optimize their health, and take advantage of the latest support for a safe, healthy pregnancy.

“As obstetricians, we’ll be your biggest supporters,” said Dr. Spencer. "We are here to provide comprehensive care, ensure your success, and stand by you every step of the way."

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Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Ipsos on the KnowledgePanel® from September 5 to September 7, 2025, and surveyed 1,024 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. This poll is based on a nationally representative probability sample and has margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level for results based on the entire sample of adults. The margin of sampling error takes into account the design effect of 1.05. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact: christopher.moessner@ipsos.com.

B-ROLL, SOUND BITES, WEB ELEMENTS & HI-RES STILL PHOTOS - Including HD video available for free/unrestricted use by the news media: https://bit.ly/4nyfWIt. Courtesy: Orlando Health

For assistance in downloading, or if you have any questions, contact: destiney@mediasourcetv.com

or call: 740.971.3403

About Orlando Health
Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $14 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States – including Florida and Alabama – and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $2 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 24, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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New survey shows many are unaware of advancements in obstetrics care

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