If you've decided that the right time to become pregnant is during your 40s, there are several factors to take into consideration including risks to your health and the health of the baby. On the other hand, some women find that this stage of life is defined by more financial and emotional stability, both assets when planning to add to your family. There are ways to have a healthy pregnancy when you're over 40.
Significance
Becoming pregnant when you're older than age of 40 presents its own set of challenges. Some of these include increased risks of miscarriage, multiple birth, gestational diabetes, chromosomal abnormalities leading to birth defects and the potential for a cesarean section, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The higher risk of miscarriage tentatively ties in to the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. As you get older, you're more likely to conceive multiple babies. If you relied on reproductive technology to get pregnant, the practice of implanting multiple eggs especially increases your chance of having more than one baby.
Benefits
You may have decided to delay starting a family for one of several reasons. These can include ensuring financial stability for you and your family or waiting until you felt you were emotionally ready to become a mother.
Some women decide to wait to have their first child until they have achieved a career goal they set earlier in life, according to The New Parent Guide website.
Warning
Choosing to delay pregnancy means the quality of your eggs might not be prime, considering that they begin to deteriorate in your 30s. This deterioration leads to the increased risk of birth defects in your unborn child.
Because you're older than 40, gestational diabetes is a risk. Older mothers are more likely to develop this condition, so close attention must be paid to the diet. You also need to exercise routinely to keep blood sugar under good control, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Considerations
Before you actually get pregnant, you need to undergo a complete physical in order to ensure you're in the best possible health to sustain a pregnancy. As soon as you find out you're pregnant, start seeing an obstetrician so you monitor your health, as well as your baby's health.
Choose your foods so you are getting the most nutrients---you're going to need them to help you have a healthy baby. Along with eating healthy foods, watch your weight so you give your baby the best chance at a healthy start. Exercise, within your ability, to maintain or even improve your health. If you smoke, quit; stay away from alcohol and other harmful substances.
Social Effects
You might hear others criticizing you for waiting to get pregnant. Regardless of their motivation, don't allow this to bother you. Concentrate on making sure your pregnancy is as healthy and uneventful as possible.
Another effect of delaying pregnancy includes others mistakenly thinking your baby is your grandchild, according to the website The New Parent Guide. As long as you're able to keep up with your new responsibilities, you shouldn't allow this to bother you.
