Pregnancy in Women More than 35 Years of Age

07 Sep Pregnancy in Women More than 35 Years of Age

To have baby after the age of 35 years can be challenging since there can be certain risks associated with these pregnancies and these can have an impact on the health of both pregnant woman and her baby.

Fertility in women > 35 years of age

Fertility starts decreasing in women from the age of 32 years and becomes more rapid after the age of 37 years. As the woman’s age increases, the number of eggs in ovaries declines and this decline may be more rapid in some women. Also the fertilization rate of eggs reduces to some extent as compared to young women. Problems that can affect fertility, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids, become more common with increasing age as well.

concerns for childbearing after 35 years of age

The females who are older in age are more likely to develop health problems than women who are younger like problem of high Blood Pressure(BP), diabetes or gestational diabetes that can affect both the mother and the baby. High BP poses risks like problems with placenta and the growth of the baby where as women suffering from diabetes are more likely to suffer miscarriages and have excessive growth ( macrosomia) patter in the babies.

Tests to Screen For Or Detect Certain Birth Defects/ chromosomal abnormalities in the Fetus

Many types of screening tests are done to assess the risk of baby being born with disorders. These screening tests are done for all the pregnant women.
The risk of chromosomal disorders like Down Syndrome( Trisomy 21) increases with increasing maternal age and screening and diagnostic tests are offered to check for these. They include a targeted ultrasound exam, Serum screening tests , NIPT, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling.

Complications at the Time of Labor and Delivery for Older Women

1. There is increased risk of preterm labor and preterm birth of the baby.
2. The babies that are born before time have short or long-term problems related to health.
3. There are chances of having a stillbirth in women who are older than 35 years.
4. Increased chances of having a caesarean birth.

Ways to Lower the Risk of Pregnancy Problems

1. Visit your gynaecologist in Gurgaon regularly. If you are suffering from problems like diabetes, high BP or various other chronic health problems then manage all these problems before you get pregnant.
2. Eat a healthy and well balanced diet that is full of essential nutrients for the baby and you.
3. Have a check on the amount of weight you gain throughout or before your pregnancy.
4. Exercise on regular basis to keep you at ease.

If you still have queries then you can plan a visit at the Triveni Obs and Gynae Clinic in Gurgaon and get them resolved at the earliest.

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