What You Need to Know about Pregnancy after Age 35

People are getting married later in life today as they prioritize their career and wait for the right person. This is a trend to childbearing after age 35, which is called advanced maternal age. Although there are more certain complications, it is not impossible to have a healthy baby for older mums.

Get to know the risk

Since you may be labeled as being at an advanced maternal age, it is quite common to have geriatric pregnancy nowadays. Some pregnancy-related complications and various risks you are more likely to encounter like:

  • Gestational diabetes
  • Preeclampsia
  • High blood pressure
  • Chromosome abnormalities, such as Down Syndrome
  • Premature baby or low birth weight baby
  • Need a Caesarian section
  • Have twins
  • Miscarriage
  • Longer time to get pregnant
     

Studies show that you still have a higher chance to have a complicated pregnancy even if you are healthy before getting pregnant. Since you may have more challenges to conceive after age 35, having good prenatal care is the key to increase your chances to have a healthy baby.

Best way to take care of your baby

  1. Preconception checkups
    When you prepare to have a baby, see the doctor to have a prior checkup and check how you can maximize the chance to conceive. It is important to have emotional preparation for a pregnancy.
  2. Get early and regular prenatal care
    To make sure of a safe pregnancy and monitor your baby’s health, prenatal checkup at the first 8 week is crucial.  During the prenatal checkup, your doctor may test your blood glucose level, check your urine for sugar and protein and check your blood pressure. It is a good way to have treatment earlier if any complications are diagnosed.
  3. Consider other optional tests
    You may be offered some special prenatal screening like amniocentesis and  chorionic villus sampling to detect chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, trisomy 13 and trisomy 18.These tests are particularly for mums over age 35.
  4. Prenatal vitamins are needed
    Make sure to take at least 400 micrograms of folic acids every single day to reduce the risk of getting defects in the baby’s brain and spinal cord. You may start consuming a few months before conception.
  5. Control your weight gain
    Gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy can make sure of your baby’s health. Talk with your doctor about the best solution for you.
  6. Regular exercises are encouraged
    Staying active during pregnancy can build up both your stamina and muscle to prepare for labor and relieve your stress to prevent any pregnancy discomforts.  Remember to talk to your doctor before you start your exercise program.

Regardless of age, you need to gain weight wisely, take folic acid every day, avoid smoking and alcohol, have up-to-date vaccination and a relaxed mood to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. Having a baby at later ages is not bad, you will become more positive and your children keep you young.


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