Having a child is a beautiful experience for many women, but as they age, their fertility decreases.

Women who are above 35 years of age, have a relatively harder time getting pregnant, and their chances of having a healthy pregnancy become less and less. Pregnancy complications and health risks increase with age, and as a result, it is essential to understand the dangers of fertility elimination and advanced maternal age during pregnancy.

1. Increased Risk of Miscarriage:

Women who are over the age of 35 have a higher risk of miscarriage as compared to younger women. These miscarriages often happen as a result of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, making it difficult for them to develop properly.

The risk of having a miscarriage increases as women age, and by the age of 40, the risk increases up to 50 percent.

2. Higher Risk of Gestational Diabetes:

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes in a woman’s body. Women who are over 35 years of age have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes.

If left untreated, it can cause high blood sugar levels, which can lead to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, or even stillbirth.

3. Development of High Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure is a common problem among pregnant women, but it can be more severe in women who are over 35 years of age.

Women who develop high blood pressure during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing preeclampsia, which can lead to premature delivery, placental abruption, or even death of the mother and child.

4. Increased Risk of Birth Defects:

Babies born to women who are over 35 years of age have an increased risk of developing birth defects, such as Down syndrome.

The risk of having a baby with Down syndrome is about one in 400 for women who are 35 years old and increases to one in 100 for women who are 40 years old.

5. Premature Birth:

Women who are over 35 years of age have an increased risk of giving birth prematurely.

Premature babies are born before 37 weeks of gestation and are at a high risk of developing health problems such as breathing difficulties, infections, or even death.

6. Need for C-Section:

Women who are over 35 years of age are more likely to need a C-section delivery due to pregnancy complications, such as fetal distress, failure of induction, or breech presentation.

C-sections involve surgical intervention, which poses health risks to both the mother and the baby. Women who have a C-section are at a higher risk of developing blood clots, infections, and longer recovery time.

7. Placenta Problems:

Women who are over 35 years of age have an increased risk of developing placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, making vaginal birth impossible.

Placenta previa can cause heavy bleeding during pregnancy, leading to premature delivery or even death of the mother and the baby.

8. Higher Risk of Multiple Births:

Women who are over 35 years of age have a higher risk of giving birth to multiple babies due to hormonal changes in the body.

Multiple births can lead to pregnancy complications such as premature delivery, low birth weight, and even death of the babies.

9. Difficulty Conceiving:

Women who are over 35 years of age have a harder time conceiving due to declining fertility. As women age, the number of eggs in their ovaries decreases, making it harder to conceive naturally.

Women who are over 35 years of age are more likely to use assisted reproductive technology to become pregnant, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), which can also pose health risks.

10. Increased Risk of Postpartum Depression:

Women who are over 35 years of age are at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression, a severe form of depression that occurs after pregnancy.

Postpartum depression can make it difficult for women to care for their babies, leading to long-term emotional and developmental problems for the child.

Conclusion:

Being aware of the risks associated with advanced maternal age and pregnancy is essential for women.

It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider regularly during pregnancy and take necessary precautions to reduce the risks associated with advanced maternal age. Women who wish to have a baby after the age of 35 should also understand the importance of planning ahead and seeking medical assistance if needed.