Getting Pregnant Over Forty – What Can Go Wrong?
Wednesday, December 28th, 2011Pregnancy is an exciting time, no matter how old you are, but getting pregnant over forty can be even more of a challenge. Having children later in life allows you to appreciate motherhood while knowing that you enjoyed building your life in your 20′s and 30′s. Older parents often have more patience and time for their children. After the age of 35, it is more difficult to get pregnant, and some risks are greater for older women and their unborn babies.
The number of women becoming pregnant later in life continues to increase as many people either choose to wait because of monetary concerns or just want to enjoy the freedom that comes without having children. Because fertility decreases as women age, many couples choose to go through in-vitro fertilization to get pregnant quickly. However, there are more natural methods available that could be tried first.
Most pregnancy-related health risks increase when women are over the age of 35. The increased risks are usually minimal, although the chance of miscarrying during the first trimester is almost three times higher for older than younger women.
Genetic abnormalities are also higher for babies of women over 40. During your first trimester, you have the option of undergoing genetic screening. This screening allows your doctor to determine your baby’s risk of having a chromosomal defect, such as Downs Syndrome or Trisomy 18. The latter is often a fatal condition and many affected babies will be stillborn. This is just one reason why it is particularly important that you follow all medical advice you are given and attend prenatal care appointments.
First time pregnancies in teenagers as well as in women over 40, are the most common cause in the development of preeclampsia. The condition normally occurs in the later stages of pregnancy. The symptoms include high blood pressure, sudden oedema and elevated protein levels in the urine. Your doctor will check you protein urine at each prenatal visit. Preeclampsia may be related to low blood flow to the uterus, poor nutrition and high body fat. Your doctor can treat preeclampsia and help you carry your baby to term. Left untreated, the condition may result in an emergency caesarean section.
Becoming a mother after the age of forty carries increased health risks. However, try not to worry as medical innovations are improving the chances of a healthy baby being born to an older mother all the time. Older women need to be especially concerned about their health and really must ensure they receive adequate prenatal care.
Getting pregnan over forty may be difficult, but is not impossible and nor is a healthy and happy baby.
