Maternal health is a crucial aspect of pregnancy, and it refers to the overall wellbeing of the mother during and after pregnancy.

Women over the age of 35 face unique challenges when it comes to maternal health, which is why it’s essential to understand the potential risks associated with pregnancy at this age.

Delayed Conception

Women who wait until after the age of 35 to start trying for a baby may experience difficulty trying to conceive. This is because fertility begins to decline after the age of 30, and the rate of decline accelerates after the age of 35.

This can also lead to an increased risk of miscarriage, as the quality of the eggs produced by the ovaries decrease with age.

Higher Risk of Complications

Pregnancy after the age of 35 is generally considered a high-risk pregnancy, due to the increased likelihood of complications. These complications can include:.

Gestational diabetes
Preeclampsia
High blood pressure
Preterm labor
Placenta previa
Placental abruption
Cesarean delivery

Increased Risk of Chromosomal Abnormalities

As women age, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in their eggs increases. This can lead to conditions such as Down syndrome, which is a genetic condition that affects cognitive development and physical growth.

The risk of Down syndrome increases from around 1 in 1,000 at age 30 to around 1 in 100 at age 40.

Complications for the Mother

Pregnancy after the age of 35 can also put the mother at risk for certain complications, including:.

Higher risk of developing gestational diabetes
Higher risk of developing preeclampsia
Higher risk of needing a cesarean delivery
Higher risk of needing a blood transfusion during delivery
Higher risk of needing a hysterectomy after delivery

Complications for the Baby

Babies born to mothers over the age of 35 also face an increased risk of complications, including:.

Low birth weight
Respiratory distress syndrome
Birth defects
Stillbirth

Managing the Risks

While maternal health risks after 35 are significant, there are steps that women can take to reduce their risk of complications. These steps include:.

Visiting a doctor before becoming pregnant to check for any underlying health conditions
Maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy
Eating a healthy, balanced diet
Exercising regularly, with the guidance of a doctor
Seeing a doctor regularly throughout pregnancy to monitor any potential complications

Conclusion

Pregnancy after the age of 35 can come with a range of potential health risks, both for the mother and for the baby. While these risks are serious, they can be managed through careful monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices.

By working with a doctor throughout pregnancy, women over the age of 35 can take steps to reduce their risk of complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.