We Examine Your 5 Risks of Pregnancy After 35

Maybe you didn’t want children when you were younger or you wanted to wait until you found the right partner. Perhaps you wanted to make sure you had a job that allowed you to be with your family or an outlook for a more stable financial future. 

Whatever the reason, pregnancy after 35 has become more and more common among Americans. When to have a baby is an individual choice—and only you can determine what is right for you.

We respect your decision concerning when you decide to have a baby. Our role is to support you and provide the prenatal care you need to help provide the best possible start to your pregnancy. Pregnancy after 35 is not without risks, and we’ll carefully review those with you and develop strategies to assist you. We have helped hundreds of area women over 35 deliver healthy babies.

We’ll take a closer look at the five risks of getting pregnant after the age of 35, so you can have the information and education you need to be empowered. 

Why Is a Pregnancy After 35 Considered High Risk?

The older your eggs are, the more likely they are to develop chromosomal problems like those seen in Down syndrome. In addition, those with an advanced maternal age are more likely to develop conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and low birth weight. 

Age can also present difficulties during labor, resulting in more C-sections.

This is why it is so important to work with us if you are an older mom. We’ll work with you to discover and to respond to any complications early.

5 Risks of Pregnancy After 35

1. Increased Chance of Chromosomal Abnormalities

The chance of chromosomal issues, such as Down syndrome, increases with age. Studies indicate the following rate of all genetic abnormalities, including Down syndrome:

If you have concerns, we encourage you to speak with us about genetic counseling and screening options.

2. A Higher Possibility of Miscarriage

The risk of miscarriage is increased because of the chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs, decreased ovarian function, and uterine adhesions. 

A uterine adhesion is scar tissue that joins the walls of the uterus together.

Again, let’s take a closer look at the statistics:

We understand that even thinking of a miscarriage can create intense anxiety. But we want you to know that we’ll be monitoring every step of your pregnancy so we can address any risk factors and discover any issues early in the pregnancy to give you the best possible outlook. 

If you have any concerns, our door is always open. Please talk to us. We know that it’s tempting to consult “Dr. Google,” but some information on the internet is unreliable at best. If you need additional resources, we’ll be happy to point you in the direction of reputable research.

3. Risk of Complications During Pregnancy

These include conditions such as:

• Gestational diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Preeclampsia
• Premature birth
• Low birth weight

4. Greater Challenges for Labor and Delivery

Women over the age of 35 are at greater risk for prolonged labor or having to have a C-section delivery. There may also be additional needs for interventions.

We want to work with you to create a birth plan. However, please realize that while we will adhere to your wishes as much as possible, your safety and the safety of your baby will always influence our decisions.

5. Long-term Health Impacts

It takes older mothers longer to recover from childbirth, particularly if they’ve had a long, difficult labor or a C-section.

Some studies show that those who have had a baby after 35 may be at greater risk for other health issues such as heart disease or diabetes. 

How Can I Prepare My Body for Pregnancy After 35?

First, we want to speak with you. Through preconception planning, we can ensure that you’re placing yourself in a position to have the healthiest possible pregnancy. Part of this involves taking folic acid and abstaining from alcohol. (Remember, there is no “safe” level of alcohol when you’re pregnant!)

Second, you’ll find that one of the best ways of preparing your body is to adopt and continue a healthy lifestyle. We recommend:

• Staying active
• Eating a nutritious diet
• Avoiding smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Abstaining from alcohol
• Managing any health conditions you have, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol

We’ll Help You Manage Your Risk Factors Involved in Pregnancy Over the Age of 35

For decades, we’ve cared for women throughout all the stages of their lives. We take a special interest in forming long-term relationships to empower you to be an active partner in your health care. When you’re having a baby later in life, that relationship is even more important.

We encourage you to speak with us if you plan on having a baby after 35 so we can have a preconception appointment that will help guide you to minimize as many risk factors as possible. See why we’ve been continually recognized as the best OBGYN practice in Orange and Durham counties by scheduling an appointment with us today.