Women looking forward to conceiving, we can understand how excited you are. However, if you are over 35 years of age, there are some health concerns as well. Many females plan for pregnancy later in life. The sole intention behind this post is that we want you to stay aware of the risks of pregnancy after 35 and how to tackle them on time. This will ensure you take the necessary precautions and expect a healthy pregnancy while ensuring the well-being of the mother and child.
Risks of Pregnancy After Age of 35
Here is a brief list of possible risks for pregnancy after age of 35 for women:
1. Vulnerable Maternal Health
As you age, the body is more open to health issues. Also, the demands of a pregnancy at the age of 35, on the body are much more than when you conceive at a younger age. For instance, there is an increased risk of health concerns related to the heart, bones, nerves, blood, etc. Also, data suggests that females who are 35 and above are more prone to hormonal imbalance, thyroid disorders, diabetes, obesity, etc. Adopting a proactive approach with regular health check-ups can help keep track of your well-being and take mandatory steps to curb any known health issues in time to have a safe and non-risky pregnancy.
2. Possibility of a Caesarean Delivery
Research indicates that females who have crossed 35 years of age are at the risk of cesarean delivery (C-section), compared to younger females, at childbirth. The risk increases because of the growing age and aging-related physical alterations. For instance, females may be susceptible to placenta previa, problems during labor, and breech presentation, requiring one to decide on C-section delivery. Once cesarean delivery occurs, there is a risk of the next childbirth happening through C-section itself. Always learn more about this procedure and prepare accordingly.
3. Chromosomal Abnormalities
As a person ages, her eggs also age, which may increase the risk of Down Syndrome. Thus, the baby may carry genetic mutation because of faulty cell division. Or there is a risk of other chromosomal issues such as trisomy 13 or trisomy 18. Genetic counseling and prenatal testing are great ways to pre plan for a pregnancy after 35 and get to know if there are risks of chromosomal problems. Several diagnostic tests and prenatal screenings can offer details about the fetus's health. Examples of such tests are chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis.
4. Fertility Problems
Fertility gradually declines as you age, and it is the same for women, especially those who are over 35. There is always a risk of miscarriage and a longer time to conceive, along with a reduction in the number of active eggs. If you are looking for pregnancy after the age of 35 in between fertility challenges, you can seek interventions to conceive successfully. These include intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Talk to a fertility specialist for the right support and guidance.
5. Pregnancy Complications
If you are beyond 35 years of age, there is an increased risk of placental problems like placental abruption and placenta previa, resulting in frequent miscarriages and difficulty during childbirth. The probability of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia is also high in older women. However, early diagnosis and treatment of placental issues may keep the mother and baby safe.
Managing Risks of a Pregnancy After 35
Here are some tips for coping with the risks of pregnancy after 35 years of age:
· Firstly, whenever you plan for a pregnancy after 35, you must start with a healthy lifestyle several months in advance, if not immediately. This includes staying physically active and managing stress. Adapt a balanced diet and avoid harmful substances. Quit smoking, keep a check on alcohol consumption, and prepare your body and mind for childbirth.
· Secondly, you may consider genetic testing and counseling for pregnancy after age 35 so that if there is a possibility of chromosomal abnormalities, you can decide to go ahead with conceiving or not. Genetic counselors can let you know about the tests to undergo and provide you with options to approach a pregnancy. For instance, NIPT or non-invasive prenatal testing can inform about genetic conditions and challenges.
· Another step towards a healthy pregnancy is getting prenatal care on time with frequent check-ups and monitoring for the baby and mother. The screenings will assist in detecting potential problems so that you can get the same treatment on time and avoid further complications.
· You may begin with activities oriented towards a safe pregnancy such as prenatal yoga, swimming, walking, meditation, reading books about tackling pregnancy issues for those opting for one after the age of 35, etc. Look up digital tutorials about maternal healthcare, or speak with a family planner to walk you through essentials of a complication-free pregnancy.
· Talking to healthcare and support groups, organizations, and communities that care for pregnancy and older pregnant women, is also a smart way of growing your confidence and preparing your mind and yourself for the upcoming pregnancy.
To Conclude
Yes, it is possible to have a safe pregnancy after 35 if you take the required steps to ensure your and the baby’s good health. It is always recommended to have a planned pregnancy, especially once you are over 35 years of age, because that will allow you to detect potential threats, and tackle them beforehand. If you do have an unplanned pregnancy, it is not too late to reach out to medical professionals and go through the necessary counseling and screenings.