There are a lot of working women who decide to have children after realizing their professional ambitions. However, having children after the age of 40 is a risky proposition for the mother and child, which can lead to certain complications as well.
Take an appointment with your gynecologist or primary caregiver:
With age, a woman’s susceptibility to various common health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure are more likely. At times, various other conditions can affect fertility such as endometriosis or polycystic Ovary syndrome. Hence, it is imperative to consult your doctor.
Increase your nutritional intake:
It is important to focus on your diet by watching it closely and improving it. In fact, it is prescribed to have food that is rich in vitamins and nutrients prior to conceiving as it helps in reduce certain birth defects. You can also go in for vitamin supplements, however, do try to increase your consumption of natural foods such as greens, legumes, and citrus.
Exercise:
Exercising is the best way to come to a healthy weight, which will also help during your pregnancy. Try to incorporate resistance training or aerobics into your daily schedule, or simply hit the gym.
Start taking folic acid supplements:
Folic acid helps in conception, so start on this supplement three months prior to trying for conception. 400mcg of folic acid on a daily basis is enough.
Quit smoking and stay away from passive smoking:
Smoking reduces fertility and leads to early menopause as well. Smoking also causes various complications during pregnancy and leads to respiratory problems and low birth weight in babies. Ensure that your environments are smoke-free. Smoking also impacts male fertility, hence talk to your husband/partner to quit smoking, if the need be.
Weigh the risk of birth defects and miscarriages:
When it comes to chromosomal birth defects, the risk in older women is considerably high. In addition, the rate of miscarriages for women rises to 50% when a women crosses 45. Evaluate both these risks.
Consult a genetic counsellor:
If you are concerned about the impending health risk or birth defect, then it is important to consult a genetic counsellor for the same.