In this rich and reassuring conversation, Debbie sits down once again with Dr. Lexi Hill, a Maternal–Fetal Medicine specialist, to unpack what advanced maternal age really means today.  

Together, they demystify the risks, clarify what’s truly important in prenatal care, and offer practical guidance for parents, educators, and birth professionals alike. From essential screenings and advocacy tips to emotional wellness and preparing for birth, this episode blends evidence-based insight with compassion and clarity.  

Whether you work with expectant families or are navigating pregnancy yourself, you’ll walk away feeling informed, empowered, and ready to support safer, more confident journeys into parenthood. 

About Dr. Lexi Hill 

Dr. Lexi is a board-certified Maternal–Fetal Medicine specialist dedicated to supporting people through high-risk and medically complex pregnancies with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care. With extensive experience in fetal imaging, prenatal diagnostics, and managing conditions such as advanced maternal age, hypertension, diabetes, and IVF-related risks, she is known for her ability to translate complex medical information into practical guidance for patients and professionals alike. 

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Lexi creates educational resources—including courses, videos, and advocacy tools—that empower families to ask informed questions and navigate pregnancy with confidence. 

Listen & Learn: 

  • Why “advanced maternal age” begins at 35, and why that number isn’t magical but part of a gradual risk continuum. 
  • That flexible, well-communicated birth plans are still absolutely possible, and valuable, for AMA pregnancies.  
  • How to recognize red flags in prenatal care and advocate for clear communication and shared decision-making. 
  • Which screenings and scans are essential during AMA pregnancies, especially the importance of a detailed anatomy ultrasound. 
  • The key maternal risks that rise with age, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. 
  • The fetal risks associated with AMA, from chromosomal differences to growth concerns and stillbirth risk. 
  • How AMA care typically includes early screening, mid-pregnancy anatomy scans, third trimester growth checks, and late-pregnancy monitoring pregnancy anatomy scans, third trimester growth checks, and late pregnancy monitoring. 
  • Why combining IVF with AMA adds layers of risk, making early ultrasound, anatomy scans, and fetal echocardiograms even more important. 
  • How a preconception consultation can help you understand risks, optimize health, and prepare for pregnancy with confidence. 

Resources & Mentions: