With more women choosing to settle in their careers before they start a family, many women are trying to have a baby post 30 these days. While there is every possibility that you can have a healthy pregnancy at 35 as well, there are complications that you must be aware of and take measures to ensure your baby is born safe.
The main concern about having a late baby is that after the age of 30, there is a gradual decrease in the fertility of women, As a result it takes longer to conceive or, there are even chances that a woman may face infertility. This means that a large percentage of pregnant women at this age have undergone fertility treatment. Therefore, if you are 30-plus and are not pregnant even though you have been trying for six months, you need to see a gynaecologist.
Risk factor
The risks associated with pregnancy gradually increase as age increases. Even healthy women over the age of 35 have more antenatal tests and ultrasound scans to diagnose any early complications. Some of the common complications include:
* Miscarriage: For women at the age of 40, the risk is about 25 per cent.
* Placenta praevia: Where the placenta is low-lying and can cover the cervix. This can cause excessive bleeding during delivery and often a Caesarean section is needed.
* A low-birth-weight baby or a pre-term birth (less than 37 weeks of pregnancy), is associated with advanced maternal age.
* Down’s syndrome: Also called as Trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder in the baby where an extra copy of the chromosome 21 is present. The incidence of the baby being born with Down’s syndrome is higher in women who get pregnant later in life.
* An older woman is more likely to develop high blood pressure and diabetes during the pregnancy.
* Women have a marked pattern of increased intervention with increasing age. They are likely to have induced labour and instrumental delivery.
Safety steps
Owing to the high risk factor, it is therefore advisable for pregnant women over 30 to take the necessary measure to reduce any birth defects in the baby and have a normal, healthy pregnancy. These include:
* See your doctor before planning a baby.
* Be aware of the risks involved.
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Stop smoking.
* Take care of any medical conditions you may have before the pregnancy.
* Avoid alcohol.
* Use medications wisely.