Many women choose to delay motherhood well into their thirties. Whether it’s because of career goals or marriage at an older age, women today choose to be mothers later in life. The percentage of women having kids after 35 is on the rise, according to a CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) report.
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Although most children from older moms are born healthy, there is a sizable increase in the probability of an older mom having a child with a genetic disorder such as down syndrome. So what can a woman in her 30s do to lower the increased pregnancy risks associated with her age and increase her chances of having a healthy baby?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy woman over 35 can have a low risk pregnancy, especially if she prepares herself by eating healthy and exercising a year prior to her pregnancy. However, statistics do show that 35 year old women still tend to face more risks and complications compared to younger women.
What are the additional risks?
- It might take longer to get pregnant.
- You’re more likely to have twins or more than one child.
- You’re more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
- You’re more likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy.
- You’re more likely to have a baby with low birth weight and a premature birth.
- You are more likely to need a C-section.
- The risk of chromosome abnormalities such as down syndrome is higher.
- The risk of pregnancy loss is higher.
What Causes the Increased Risk?
Women are born with a limited supply of eggs, and just as all other parts of the body, they age. During the dividing processes of fertilization, chromosomes are more likely to become displaced in older eggs and that can lead to problems.
How Can You Decrease The Risks?
- Consult a doctor before becoming pregnant.
- Before deciding to have children later in life, it is wise to first consult an endocrinologist while you are young in order to test your hormone levels. Ideally you should keep testing your hormone levels to monitor any changes.
- Attend regular prenatal care.
- Eat a healthy diet during pregnancy and take your prescribed supplements.
- Monitor your weight gain during pregnancy.
- Learn about testing for chromosomal abnormalities.
You want to learn to protect your fertility by staying informed. Also keep in mind that there is lots of misinformation about both male and female fertility, therefore keep an open mind to new information, but consult your doctor before making any big decisions.
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