Pregnancy is a significant milestone in a woman’s life, and for many individuals, the decision to start a family occurs later in life. The number of women becoming pregnant in their late 30s and early 40s has grown significantly. Interestingly, the trend of delaying parenthood has been on the rise. In 2019, the CDC reported that the birth rate for women aged 35-39 was higher than that for women aged 20-24.
While this pregnancy shift in later life has many advantages, it also brings specific considerations and challenges.
Risks of Pregnancy With Advanced Maternal Age
Women who become pregnant after the age of 35 often have specific concerns related to their age and the potential risks associated with later pregnancies. Some common concerns include:
- Fertility – As women age, their fertility typically declines. A decline in fertility means that conceiving may be more difficult. For this reason, doctors recommend that women in this age group who have not become pregnant after six months of regular, unprotected sex make an appointment to see their doctor. If fertility issues exist, the sooner they can be addressed, the better.
- Pregnancy Complications – According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women in their forties have a higher risk of complications such as pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), miscarriage, and stillbirth. While these risks will differ from woman to woman, they highlight the importance of a pre-pregnancy checkup and good prenatal care.
- Chromosomal Abnormalities – Babies of older moms are at increased risk of chromosomal problems, which can cause a variety of disabilities.
Despite these potential concerns, there are some steps you can take to help ensure that you enter into pregnancy as healthy as possible to give yourself and your baby the best chance of a successful outcome. Maternal age is an essential part of any pregnancy, but the mother’s health status is just as vital.
Preconception Steps to Take
If you’re considering pregnancy after the age of 35, there are several pre-conception steps you can take to optimize your chances of a healthy and successful pregnancy:
- Consult Your Doctor
Schedule a preconception appointment with your doctor to discuss your health and any potential risk factors to consider. A pre-pregnancy assessment is an excellent chance for you to review your medical history and go over any steps that you and your partner can personally take to have a safer pregnancy. - Folic Acid
Once the decision has been made to start trying to conceive, consider starting prenatal vitamins that include folic acid. This helps to reduce the chance of neural tube defects. - Health Optimization
Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and the avoidance of alcohol, smoking, and illicit drugs. Speak to your doctor if you need a little advice about how best to get started. - Exercise
Consider starting some low-intensity exercise like walking or jogging. If you can go into your pregnancy with a healthier weight and body, this counts as a positive. If you plan to become pregnant, now is an excellent time to work toward a healthy lifestyle. - Manage Chronic Conditions
If you have chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, ensure they are well-managed before getting pregnant. This also includes issues such as epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, or heart disease. - Review Medications
Discuss any medications you’re taking with your healthcare provider, as some may not be safe during pregnancy.
