Despite the increased difficulty of becoming pregnant later in life, more women are choosing this option. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, women can have successful pregnancies even in their early 40s, but the difficulty of getting pregnant and the associated risks increase. If you are hoping to become pregnant at age 35 or above, it is essential that you are in the best health possible before conceiving.
Preparation
Women over 35 are more susceptible to problems when pregnant, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. You also have an increased risk of bleeding and placental problems when pregnant. It is, therefore, crucial that you and your doctor get any pre-existing conditions under control. Conditions include asthma, thyroid disease, epilepsy, depression, diabetes and high blood pressure. Taking the right medications can help. Also, stop drinking alcohol and smoking. Avoid chemicals and feces from rodents and cats. Lower your risk of birth defects by taking 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid daily for three months before you become pregnant.
Diet
A healthy diet is important for a healthy birth. A woman who is malnourished has a slower-developing embryo that results in a baby born with a low birth weight. Low birth weight is linked to a greater risk of stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure. Diet is even more of a concern for later-in-life pregnancies. Your chances of getting pregnant decrease as you get older. Taking multivitamins increases your chances of becoming pregnant, according to a U.S. News Health article published in November 2007. Eating foods high in iron such as beans, fruits and vegetables -- but not red meat -- is also beneficial. Avoid processed foods and items like margarine and doughnuts that are high in trans fats.
Obesity
Older women are more likely to be obese. Only 18.2 percent of Americans aged 18 to 29 are obese, but 28.3 percent of people 30 to 44 years of age fall into this category, according to a Gallup report published in August 2010. Obesity increases long-term risks to the fetus and complications, such as fetal death, gestational diabetes mellitus, cesarean delivery and birth defects. Children born to obese mothers are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes and be obese themselves. Being obese while you are pregnant is also associated with longer hospital stays.
Concerns
A pregnancy later in life is more risky for you and your baby. Mothers over 40 have a 2 to 5 percent greater chance of experiencing gestational diabetes, miscarriage, stillbirth and placental abnormalities. Their children are at a greater risk for low birth weight, premature birth and genetic disorders. Older mothers may also have milk-supply issues that could complicate breastfeeding, says Dr. Kathy Leeper in a "Fit Pregnancy" article published in June/July 2008. General pregnancy recommendations such as eating well, exercising and watching your weight are even more important for later-in-life pregnancies. Your doctor can help ensure that you keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control. Also, older women are more set in their routines and need to remember to take breaks when tired.
References
- Fit Pregnancy: The Later-In-Life Pregnancy
- Penn Medicine Pregnancy Health Center: Later Age Pregnancy
- NHS Choices: Warning to Older Mothers
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Maternal and Infant Health Research: Pregnancy Complications
- The Guardian: Diet in Early Pregnancy Affects Baby's Health in Later Life
- Medline Plus: Prenatal Care
- U.S. Health: The Fertility Diet: Eat Right to Get Pregnant
- Gallup: In U.S., Obesity Peaks in Middle Age
- WomensHealth.gov: Prenatal Care Fact Sheet
