The March of Dimes reports that one in five women gives birth to her first child after the age of 35 and most have no complications. While there are risks involved with becoming a mother after 35, including gestational diabetes, miscarriage and fertility challenges, you can increase your likelihood for a successful pregnancy by following some simple guidelines.
Be Patient
The American Pregnancy Association recommends that women over 35 who wish to become pregnant schedule a pre-conception appointment to review medical history, current medications and lifestyle, as well as to address any concerns about the chance of a healthy baby. Consider reaching out to a fertility specialist if you haven't had success after six months. Remain positive, as it takes the average couple over 35 between one and two years to conceive.
Reduce Your Risk for Fertility Challenges
Avoid any type of alcohol and smoke before becoming pregnant to prevent fertility problems that are more likely as you age. Any drug or herbal remedy not approved by your physician should also be avoided, according to the March of Dimes. Instead, eat foods such as fortified breakfast cereals, dried beans, leafy green vegetables, oranges and legumes. While you can safely consume fish with small amounts of mercury---including light tuna, shrimp, salmon and catfish---never eat shark, tilefish, swordfish or king mackerel, which are high in mercury.
Prevent Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that only happens during pregnancy, becomes more likely after the age of 35 and can result in a baby's abnormal growth if left untreated. Medication may be necessary to lower your chance for gestational diabetes, although lifestyle changes---including a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and monitoring your blood sugar---are your best bet.
Vitamins and Vaccinations
Take a multivitamin that contains 400 micrograms of folic acid each day, beginning before you are pregnant and continuing through the early stages. The vitamin will reduce your risk for neural tube defects, or birth defects that affect the spinal cord and brain of your baby. Get tested for your immunity to rubella and chickenpox before you try to become pregnant. If you are not immune, consider the benefits of vaccination. Always wait at least one month before becoming pregnant after being vaccinated.
Consider Diagnostic Testing
The Mayo Clinic reports that diagnostic tests, such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis, can provide essential information about your child's risk for chromosomal abnormalities, as well as confirm the baby's health. The tests do slightly increase your chance of a miscarriage, so weigh the risks with your physician before moving forward.
Recognize Other Risks
Pregnancy after 35 brings a greater likelihood for complications that can necessitate the need for a C-section delivery. Your risk for chromosome abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, is also elevated, as well as the risk for miscarriage, which increases as you age. According to the Mayo Clinic, the age of your baby's father also plays a role in a successful pregnancy. Babies born to men 40 and older have a higher risk of autism, and some birth defects are more common in babies with fathers over 50 due to gene mutations.
