More women are choosing to postpone having children until well into their 30s or even later. Figures compiled by the Centers for Disease Control reveal that between 2007 and 2009, over-40s constituted the only age group whose birth rate actually rose, from 9.5 to 10.1 per 1,000 women. The decision to try for a baby over the age of 40 brings its own challenges, including a reduced chance of conception and increased risk to both you and your baby.
Chances of Conception
Fertility declines with age and you may find it increasingly difficult to conceive after the age of 35. A 40-year-old woman has a 5 percent chance of conceiving naturally in any single cycle, as opposed to the 15 percent chance experienced by women in their early 30s. If you are older than 35, Women'sHealth.gov recommends that you see your doctor once you have been actively trying for a baby without success for six months. If you continue to experience infertility, you could consider forms of assisted conception such as inter-uterine insemination or in-vitro fertilization, but bear in mind that success rates for these treatments also diminish with age; American Pregnancy Association figures estimate an IVF success rate of between 6 percent and 10 percent for women older than 40.
Risks to the Mother
Women over 40 are at higher risk of experiencing preeclampsia, a condition involving high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the woman's urine, reports the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Preeclampsia can lead to premature birth, low birth weight and even stillbirth. Older mothers are also at heightened risk of developing gestational diabetes, which can contribute to high pressure and the risk of macrosomia, a condition in which the baby grows to an excessively large size, often resulting in birth trauma or the need for a C-section.
Risks to the Baby
Older women are also more likely to experience miscarriage; the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that around half of pregnancies in women over 40 end in miscarriage. Older mothers are also more likely to give birth to children with abnormalities; the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimate that, on average, 47.6 of every 1,000 babies born to women age 45 will have a chromosomal abnormality, in comparison with only 2.6 of every 1,000 born to women age 30. This may be due to the reduced quality of the woman's eggs. Your healthcare provider may suggest that you take a blood test in your first or second trimester to check whether your baby is suffering from a birth defect such as Down's syndrome or spina bifida. You are under no obligation to take the test, but many women find it reassuring.
Advice
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasizes the importance of looking after yourself both before and during pregnancy. Try to lose weight before your pregnancy if you are overweight or obese and maintain a healthy weight throughout your pregnancy. Eat healthily and include a folic acid supplement in your diet. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or taking illegal drugs or unnecessary medication. Do your best to avoid stress and get plenty of rest.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Data Brief No. 60; March 2011
- WomensHealth.gov: Trying to Conceive
- WomensHealth.gov: Infertility Fact Sheet
- American Pregnancy Association: In-Vitro Fertilization
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Later Childbearing
