Planning for the Risks of Advanced Age Pregnancy

Pregnancy at 38 years of age or older is a bit riskier than it was when you were 28. Despite the risks, advanced age pregnancy is on the rise. If you’re thinking about conceiving a baby later in life, there are a lot of things you need to think about. From an increased chance of miscarriage to high blood pressure, the risks seem to add up quickly. It is wise to be informed of the possibilities. No one volunteers to have issues during their pregnancies, but the older you get, the more likely you are to experience certain types of issues. Technology has come a long way in recent years and although mid-life mothers are experiencing fewer difficulties, there are still some complications to be aware of. If you’re thinking about having a baby after the age of 38, you need to speak with a doctor about the risk of placental abnormalities, gestational diabetes, miscarriage and other complications you may face. Everyone’s body is wired differently, so the risks you’re taking vary from person to person.

Risks you may have to face:

• Gestational diabetes
• Placental abnormalities
• High blood pressure
• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Genetic disorders
• Premature birth
• Low birth weight

After you’ve decided that having a baby is the right choice for you, you should consider making changes to your lifestyle. Seemingly harmless habits may need to be avoided to ensure you’re functioning at the peak of your health. To give yourself a higher success rate during your pregnancy, you need to consider things like diet and exercise.

Things you should do:

• Make an appointment before you conceive
• Seek routine prenatal care
• Eat a healthy diet
• Stay active
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco and illegal substances
• Educate yourself about prenatal testing for chromosomal abnormalities

Treat yourself well

Every choice you make before and during your pregnancy can affect your baby. The healthier you are, the better off you’ll be. When you think of your pregnancy as an opportunity to prepare and nurture your baby, you’re giving yourself a leg up. Take care of yourself in the same way you would be taking care of your newborn. It’ll help your odds of conceiving increase.