Pregnancy is a journey with many potential health risks, but women conceiving after the age of 35 have more reasons to be more careful.
Dr. Sharon Breit, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at the Center for Women’s Health in Wichita, Kansas (USA), said: “Pregnancy over the age of 35 is relatively common and the tendency is to get pregnant at an older age.” later ages continue to increase. When it comes to the risk of complications, factors such as personal medical history also come into play, and pregnant women of any age can be at risk.
1. Risks related to pregnancy after age 35
For the fetus, the risk of birth defects is higher than when pregnant when the mother is young such as: Down syndrome, heart, lung, musculoskeletal defects, fetal growth retardation, premature birth, low birth weight. weight, even stillbirth.
There are some special risks associated with pregnancy after age 35, but many women in this age group have healthy and safe pregnancies with strict pregnancy control. Here are some key concerns to keep in mind when getting pregnant after age 35:
Increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities
As women age, the quality and quantity of eggs decrease. One of the main reasons why pregnancy after age 35 is classified as high risk is because of the increased likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.
A study in the journal Nature in mice has shed light on the link between age at pregnancy and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. As eggs age, a key protein responsible for keeping pairs of chromosomes tightly connected declines, increasing the risk of problems such as Down syndrome.
Higher risk of pregnancy complications
Women over 35 are susceptible to certain complications during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. These conditions can easily affect both mother and baby, so close monitoring is required.
Depending on the pregnant woman’s condition, the obstetrician may recommend more frequent prenatal checkups. Catching risk problems early is important to minimize potential complications.
Pregnancy over 35 years old can easily cause premature birth and low birth weight babies
Pregnant women over 35 years old have an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies, but mothers having regular prenatal checkups, proper prenatal care and following doctor’s advice help reduce the risks. This.
2. Ways to help older pregnant women stay healthy during pregnancy
Although there are risks to getting pregnant after age 35, many women can still enjoy a healthy journey by taking a proactive approach to their health. Here are some essential tips to help older pregnant women stay healthy:
Prioritize prenatal care
Consistent prenatal care is important for any pregnant woman of any age, and it’s even more important for women over 35. Regular health checks give obstetricians the opportunity to closely monitor the pregnancy process, detect potential problems early and handle them promptly.
Maintain a balanced diet
A healthy, nutritious diet plays an important role in supporting a healthy pregnancy. Women over 35 should focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
Adequate supplementation of essential nutrients such as folate, iron, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids will promote fetal development. Your obstetrician may recommend prenatal vitamins to ensure that you are meeting your and your baby’s nutritional needs during pregnancy. The thing to remember is to always consult your doctor and strictly follow the instructions during each prenatal visit.
Always be active
Keeping active is beneficial before, during and after pregnancy, regardless of age. Regular exercise helps control weight , reduce stress, and reduce the risk of problems such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Activities such as walking, swimming and yoga are generally safe. However, you still need to consult your doctor when starting any form of exercise and always listen to your body to make the most appropriate adjustments.
Stress management
Pregnancy can be a stressful time, especially for older mothers who are often worried about risks. Mothers should find ways to balance stress, especially during pregnancy. Taking time to relax and engage in stress-reducing activities will go a long way in reducing the effects of stress.
