Ayesha Curry, wife of NBA superstar Steph Curry, is taking a bold stand against the medical field’s classification of pregnancies in women in their 30s as “geriatric pregnancies.” In a recent cover story with Sweet July Magazine, Ayesha excitedly announced her fourth child’s impending arrival. However, she also addressed the perplexing classification of her pregnancy that has caused many women in their 30s and 40s to feel uncomfortable and stigmatized.
“What’s been interesting has been my doctor’s appointments,” she revealed. “I’m in my 30s, and so there’s all this paperwork referring to the experience as a ‘geriatric pregnancy‘ and all the concerns that come along with that. I think there’s something that needs to be more nuanced when it comes to women, their age, and conversations around having children. Many women in their 30s and 40s are going through this for the first time, and being told you’re ‘old’ feels alarming and wild.”
Ayesha’s advocacy for a shift in the narrative surrounding women’s age and childbirth emphasizes the need for a more understanding conversation. To add context, she highlights that the criteria for a pregnancy to be deemed “geriatric” typically start at the age of 35, according to the New York Times. Yet, statistics indicate that the average age for a first pregnancy has been rising, challenging the outdated notion.
The medical field’s labeling of pregnancies in women in their 30s as “geriatric pregnancies” has caused many women to feel stigmatized and uncomfortable. The term “geriatric pregnancy” is a technical term used to describe pregnancies of women aged 35 years and above, but it has a negative connotation that has led to anxiety and fear among women. The pressure to conceive before the age of 35 has caused many women to feel like they have a ticking biological clock. The stigma surrounding age and pregnancy has led to many women feeling ashamed of their age and delaying having children.
Ayesha’s advocacy for a more nuanced conversation is necessary to address the evolving reality of women’s lives. Women are delaying childbirth for various reasons, including career aspirations and financial stability. It’s time for the medical field to recognize this reality and provide supportive care for women who choose to have children later in life.
Ayesha and Steph’s journey traces back to their teenage years, meeting at a youth group gathering, but they only started dating years later. The couple tied the knot in July 2011 and has since welcomed three children, namely Riley (11), Ryan (8), and Canon (5). Ayesha is a chef, restaurateur, and best-selling author. She is also a television personality and has hosted shows like Ayesha’s Home Kitchen and Family Food Fight.
In a previous interview with People, Ayesha discussed the complexities of balancing family and career. She acknowledged that balance doesn’t exist and that everyone is just doing their best. Sometimes she gets it right, and sometimes she doesn’t, but she continues to show up for the things and people that matter, and that counts for a lot.
Ayesha’s journey challenges stereotypes and inspires a reevaluation of societal perceptions surrounding age, pregnancy, and family life. She brings up an essential conversation that needs to happen, and we hope that it leads to more inclusive and respectful language and treatment towards women. The medical field needs to recognize the evolving reality of women’s lives and provide supportive care for women who choose to have children later in life.