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10 things to know about Pregnancy after 35
Over the past 25 years, the number of women over age 35 having babies has grown. In fact, most healthy women from age 35 and into their 40s have healthy pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies. Even women with preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension and those developing pregnancy complications can deliver healthy babies.
Good prenatal care and healthy habits are the keys to reduce health risks! Inform your obstetrical provider before trying to get pregnant if you have chronic medical condition such as diabetes or hypertension or are taking any medications.
- Birth Defects. Older women are at higher risk of giving birth to a baby with chromosomal abnormalities. At age 35, the risk is 1 in 192. At age 40, the risk is 1 in 66. At age 45, the risk is 1 in 21. Genetic counseling and prenatal tests help to screen for Trisomy-21, Trisomy-18, etc. Amniocentesis is recommended for women over 35.
- Hypertension. Older women are more likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, which is called Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH). Whether you develop high blood pressure or had high blood pressure prior to pregnancy, you will need to see your doctor more frequently to keep your blood pressure under control.
- Diabetes. Older women are more likely to have Gestational Diabetes, a form of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy. Whether you have preexisting diabetes or have gestational diabetes, the risks for mom and baby are minimized when the diabetes is well controlled.
- Preterm Labor. Older women are more likely to have pre-term labor or labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. When diagnosed, labor can be postponed with bed rest and medication.
- Multiples. Older women are more predisposed to conceive multiple fetuses even without in vitro fertilization. The risks of complications including risk of cesarean birth are higher with multiple pregnancies. Close monitoring is essential to manage complications as they arise.
- Miscarriage. Pregnancy loss prior to 20 weeks occurs in about 15% of all pregnancies. It is more common in older women. Immediately report cramping, spotting, or bleeding to your doctor.
- Infertility. Fertility decreases with age. If you are older than 35 and are unable to get pregnant after trying for six months, see your health care provider. Fertility treatment is available.
- Stillbirth. Women older than 35, particularly older than 40, are at greater risk for stillbirth-- especially beyond 36 weeks of gestation. Discuss optimal delivery time and fetal monitoring assessment with your provider.
- Develop healthy habits to reduce risks during pregnancy:
- Eat healthy foods and augment your diet with prenatal vitamins and folate.
- Gain a healthy amount of weight, 25-35 pounds for most women.
- Get regular and moderate exercise, with your health care provider's guidance.
- Abstain from alcohol, cigarettes and illegal drugs.
- Do not take any medications or herbal supplements without first checking with your health care provider.
- Relax and enjoy your pregnancy!
February 2007
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