As women in modern times are pursuing their careers and waiting for the perfect time to start a family, it’s becoming increasingly common for women to have children later in life.

While there are many advantages to starting a family at an older age, there are also some risks associated with the pregnancy and the health of the child. In this article, we’ll explore these risks and what you can do to mitigate them.

Risk #1: Fertility

As women age, their fertility decreases. This is because women are born with a finite number of eggs, and the quality of the eggs decreases over time.

By the age of 30, a woman’s fertility has already started to decline, and by the age of 40, it can be very difficult to conceive naturally. This is why many women opt for assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) to increase their chances of getting pregnant. However, even with ART, the success rates decline as a woman gets older.

Risk #2: Complications During Pregnancy

Women who have children later in life are at greater risk of developing complications during pregnancy. The risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia are all higher in older women.

They are also more likely to have a premature birth or a stillbirth. Additionally, women over the age of 35 are at a higher risk of needing a caesarian section (C-section) delivery.

Risk #3: Birth Defects

The risk of birth defects increases as a woman’s age increases. This is because older eggs are more likely to have abnormalities in their DNA. Some of the most common birth defects associated with older mothers include Down’s Syndrome and heart defects.

While there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of birth defects, there are certain tests that can be done during pregnancy to screen for them.

Risk #4: Long-Term Health Risks for the Child

Children born to older mothers are also at a higher risk of developing certain long-term health problems. For example, research has shown that children born to mothers over the age of 40 are at a higher risk of developing autism.

They are also more likely to develop certain genetic disorders and have a lower cognitive function. While these risks are relatively small, they are still something to consider when deciding to have a child later in life.

Risk #5: Postpartum Complications

Older mothers are also at a higher risk of developing certain postpartum complications such as depression, high blood pressure, and blood clots. Additionally, they may have a harder time recovering from the physical toll of pregnancy and childbirth.

How to Mitigate the Risks

While there are some risks associated with having a child at an older age, there are also steps you can take to minimize those risks:.

Get regular prenatal care: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify and treat any pregnancy-related complications early.
Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
Stay physically active: Exercise during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of complications and make it easier to recover after childbirth.
Consider assisted reproductive technology: IVF and other ART can increase the chances of getting pregnant, but it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Consider genetic testing: Certain tests such as amniocentesis can help identify any genetic abnormalities in the fetus.
Talk to your doctor: Your doctor can help you understand the risks associated with pregnancy at an older age and can help you make an informed decision.