Ready to Get Pregnant Over 35 Years

Older ages (35 years and older) tend to be at risk of developing a number of disorders such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Deciding to have the first child and the next child at the age of 30 years or above 35, could be a decision that is full of health considerations. But most pregnant women over the age of 35 can still deliver healthy babies through careful preparation. The risk of complications in women who are pregnant above the age of 35 is indeed higher than for those who are pregnant at a younger age. But there are many ways you can do to ensure a mother gives birth to a healthy baby.

Risk of Pregnancy at Age 35 and Over

Recognizing the risks that are more likely to occur in pregnancy after the age of 35 can make pregnant women more alert and be able to work with doctors in handling the situation. The risks referred to include:

Decreased fertility

After the age of 35 years, female fertility tends to decrease so that relatively longer awaits the arrival of the baby. This is based on the following conditions.
• Decreased number and quality of eggs produced.
• Hormonal changes that result in changes in ovulation.
• There is a higher likelihood that certain medical conditions such as endometriosis can affect the chances of pregnancy.

An abnormal baby

An abnormal egg cell division, called a nondisjunction, causes the possibility of having a child with a birth defect or conditions due to chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, will increase as a woman ages. The condition is estimated to occur in 1 in 30 pregnant women aged 45 years and over.

Risk of miscarriage

The risk of miscarriage in pregnancy before 4 months or the baby dies in the womb increases by about 20-35 percent in women aged 35-45 years compared with those who become pregnant in their 20s. Miscarriages are generally caused by problems with the chromosomes or genetics of the fetus.

Babies are born prematurely or are underweight

Women who give birth after age 35 are more at risk of giving birth to a premature baby or born with an abnormal weight. In addition, it is also more risky to give birth to a baby with health complications.

Health problems in the mother

Health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes can occur during pregnancy, and these conditions are more common in pregnant women in their 30s to 40s. In addition, pregnant women at this age are also more likely to experience complications such as placenta previa and preeclampsia.

Caesarean section

The risk of complications in women who are pregnant at the age of 35 years and over, such as placenta previa, makes them more often go through labor with Caesarean section.

Creating a Healthy Pregnancy at the Age of 35 and Over

Although medically, pregnancy at the age of 35 years is more risky, but there are still ways that can be done so that babies and mothers stay healthy during pregnancy and after childbirth. Don't worry too much because most pregnant women over the age of 35 are able to deliver healthy babies.

Check yourself regularly, especially in early pregnancy

The first weeks are an important period of early baby growth. Pregnant women can check their pregnancy to detect and treat possible abnormalities in the baby. With regular check-ups, your doctor can also provide early treatment if you are at risk or are detected as having gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Consumption of vitamins for pregnant women

Taking folic acid supplements at least 400-800 micrograms per day before and during the first 3 months of pregnancy can help prevent bodily defects in the baby, especially the spinal cord and brain. Some pre-pregnancy vitamins contain 800-1000 micrograms of folic acid which is still considered safe for consumption. But you should avoid consuming more than 1000 micrograms of folic acid.

Keep your weight normal

Women with normal weight should gain 11-15 kilograms during pregnancy while those who are overweight, 6-11 kilograms. Pregnant women gain too little weight to affect the baby's movements and the risk of premature birth. Conversely, pregnant women who are overweight are at higher risk of experiencing certain conditions such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. You can maintain a normal body weight by:
• Implement a balanced healthy diet. Choose fresh vegetables and fruit, nuts, and lean meat. Also consume food sources of calcium and folic acid for infant development. As a guide, you can read more about healthy food for pregnant women.
• Exercising regularly Exercising regularly or moving actively every day can relieve stress and strengthen the body of pregnant women. Ask your doctor about your health and the right type of exercise if you have certain conditions, such as diabetes.

Stop habits that harm the fetus

Smoking, consuming alcohol, and consuming too much caffeinated beverages can increase the risk of mental and physical abnormalities in the unborn baby. By avoiding the three, you can reduce the risk of preeclampsia and the risk of giving birth to a baby with a low weight. These conditions are commonly experienced by women who give birth over the age of 35 years.

Detection of chromosomal abnormalities in infants

Learn and if necessary take tests to detect possible chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn baby.

The good news is that at age 35 and above, with an understanding and awareness of a healthy lifestyle, the risks of pregnancy can be slightly reduced. If you are over 35 years old and have not yet succeeded in getting a baby, you can see a gynecologist to plan a more intensive pregnancy.