Pregnancy After 35 – Healthnile.com

Be Aware of Possible Health Concerns

When someone becomes pregnant at age 35 or older, it’s called advanced maternal age or sometimes “geriatric pregnancy.” This comes with a few extra things to think about. For starters, many people find it harder to get pregnant as they age because both the number and quality of eggs slowly go down. It may take longer to conceive, and women over 35 who try unsuccessfully for more than six months may want to see a healthcare provider.

Aging also increases the chance of having twins or more. Hormonal changes sometimes cause the release of extra eggs, and more people use fertility treatments after 35, which can also increase the chance of multiples. The risk of health problems during pregnancy goes up with age. Some important ones are shown in the table below:

Complication	What It Means	Possible Effects
Gestational diabetes	Diabetes that starts in pregnancy.	Larger baby, high birth weight, need for C-section, risk of preterm birth, and baby health issues
High blood pressure	High blood pressure during pregnancy.	May cause preeclampsia, early delivery, or growth problems for baby
Chromosome conditions	More chance of problems like Down syndrome or other disorders.	May need prenatal genetic testing; can lead to birth defects or miscarriage.
Preterm birth/Low birth weight	Delivering before 37 weeks or baby weighing less than about 5.5 lbs.	Greater risk of health problems for the baby.
Miscarriage and stillbirth	Loss of pregnancy before or after 20 weeks.	The risk intensifies as age increases.

Other risks include the need for a cesarean delivery (C-section), heavy bleeding after birth, and pregnancy loss. Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, happen more often as women get older and can raise risks for both mother and baby.

Most women over 35 still have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. Doctors offer tests such as prenatal genetic screening, quad marker screen, cell-free DNA testing, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These tests check for chromosomal problems like Down syndrome and other conditions. Some are only screening tests, while others (like amniocentesis or CVS) give a clear diagnosis. These tests can find certain birth defects or chromosome disorders but also carry small risks.

Take Steps for Better Health

Healthy choices make a big difference. Before trying to get pregnant, a person can schedule a health visit to talk with their provider about medical history, medicines, nutrition, and other factors. Checking things early can help deal with health issues that might affect pregnancy.

Eating Well

A healthy, balanced diet helps grow a healthy baby. Eating foods rich in important nutrients like folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, and iron is key. Folic acid is especially important for lowering the chance of birth defects. Most doctors recommend taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy. Below is a simple checklist for planning a healthy pregnancy diet:

Folic acid (at least 400-800 micrograms per day, before and during early pregnancy)
Iron-rich foods (lean meats, fortified cereals, beans)
Dairy or alternatives for calcium
Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Healthy fats in small amounts

Managing Weight

Gaining the right amount of weight makes pregnancy safer for both mom and baby. Gaining too much weight raises risks like high blood pressure and diabetes, while gaining too little can lead to low birth weight. Healthcare providers can help set a healthy weight goal and give advice throughout pregnancy.

Staying Active

Physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, helps reduce stress, improve sleep, and control weight. Regular exercise (unless told otherwise by a provider) can also prepare the body for birth and speed up recovery afterward. In most cases, the goal is about 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.

Avoiding Harmful Substances

Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs should be avoided during pregnancy. Even some medicines or herbal supplements might not be safe—always check with a healthcare provider.

Prenatal Testing and Screening

For people over 35, prenatal genetic screening is often discussed early in pregnancy. The options include:

Cell-Free Fetal DNA Testing (cffDNA): A blood test that checks for chromosome problems like Down syndrome
Quad Marker Screen: Checks risk for certain genetic birth defects
Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): Tests that directly check the baby’s chromosomes; they have a small risk of causing miscarriage

Planning for What’s Ahead

Getting ready for a baby is about more than just the pregnancy itself. The decisions someone makes before and during pregnancy can impact the child for years to come.

Thinking Ahead

Choosing healthy habits early in life sets a strong example and foundation for the baby’s future. This can include:

Seeing a healthcare provider before trying to conceive, and whenever health concerns come up
Making a plan for postpartum care and support after delivery
Being informed about risks like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and preterm birth, and being prepared to discuss signs and symptoms with the provider

Getting Support

Support from partners, friends, family, and community resources can help reduce stress and make the journey smoother. Knowing whom to call with questions or problems makes a big difference.

Looking After Emotional Well-being

Older parents face unique stresses, from balancing work to health concerns. Taking care of mental health, finding community, and being honest about feelings are very important.

Preparing for Possible Outcomes

While most pregnancies after age 35 have good results, it’s smart to learn about possible complications and what resources exist—like special care for preterm babies or counseling after pregnancy loss.

Table: Tips for Healthy Pregnancies Over 35

What to Do	Why It Matters
Schedule a preconception check-up.	Helps find and address risks early.
Get regular prenatal care.	Tracks health of mom and baby.
Take prenatal vitamins and eat healthy foods.	Provides key nutrients and lowers some risks.
Exercise safely.	Increases energy and decreases stress.
Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.	Lowers risk for birth defects and miscarriage.
Ask about genetic testing.	Early detection of chromosome disorders.
Watch for symptoms of problems.	Early action can prevent complications.
Build your support system.	Alleviates stress and enhances overall experiences.