The DINK culture, referred to ‘dual income, no kids’, which has become most apparent in urban areas, has seen the rise of many young women opting for late pregnancies. The need to establish a career and a secured lifestyle has become the main choice of young couples. This practice is evidently high in the US. Most of the women choose to have a child after 35, which is past the stage of traditional child bearing age between 20 to 35. If one is opting for a late pregnancy, there is no need to panic. Doctors are there to give a special attention and many women have delivered normally without any problems. However, women around 30 to 40, ought to understand certain special pregnancy risks which can be apparent at this age and are discussed here.
How aging affects fertility and conceiving?
1. It takes longer for women in their 30s to conceive as they tend to decrease in fertility rate starting from their 30s. Those who are above 35 tend to ovulate less and this makes conceiving more difficult as compared to someone younger.
2. In addition, there may be some health problems which could interfere with the process of pregnancy, of which, three causes are the most common. They include, blocked Fallopian tubes due to past infections, endometriosis which is a condition wherein the tissues attach to the fallopian tubes or ovaries, and the third cause being Fibroid or non-cancerous growth in the uterus.
3. Women above 35, trying for a baby, should go for check ups if they are unable to conceive even after six months of trying. The reason could be any of those causes mentioned above and as such, the close supervision of a medical specialist is a necessity. The fertility problems can be treated as long as those wanting to try for pregnancy are aware of the requirements. The fertility treatments have successfully helped many women who could not conceive, to get pregnant.
Complications associated with late pregnancy
Although, the chances of complication in late pregnancy has been hyped up, there is no cause for doubt that a woman above 35 can deliver a healthy baby as long as fertility problems are ruled out. However, in a late pregnancy there are a few risk factors which should be kept in mind for a healthy and safe pregnancy.
1. Since fertility rate drops by the age of 35, one has to undergo series of check ups before planning a baby. The chances of miscarriage is higher for late pregnancy in many cases, even after proper medical care.
2. There might be other health complications for a woman above 35, including hypertension, gestational diabetes, placental previa, fibroid and endometriosis. All these can be effectively monitored with change in lifestyle and medication with proper diet and exercises.
3. Although many women above 35 are able to deliver without medical intervention, in most of the cases there is the need for a C-section.
4. There also persists a high chance of delivering a baby with Downs Syndrome in women above 40.
5. Recovery after pregnancy also takes long for women who are around 35-40, and there is also the problem of having to adjust to the change in lifestyle routine with the birth of a late baby. The chances of a premature delivery and stillbirth is high in the case of women above 40.
The need for C-section after 35
Many women above the age of 35 who do get pregnant, undergo a C-section delivery. This reason has been attributed to the fact that as one grows older, the hip bones and the muscles in the region around the delivery passage tends to harden up, becomes less flexible as compared to someone in her 20s. This can pose a great risk for delivery and can be fatal for both the mother and her baby. The labor process can be more difficult for an older woman, making it necessary for medical intervention delivery.
Preventive measures for late pregnancy risks
1. A pre-conception check up is a must for both partners and to get the green signal that both are medically fit to try for pregnancy.
2. Stay fit and healthy by avoiding alcohol, drugs, smoking and caffeine, if you are serious about conceiving.
3. Eat a balanced and healthy diet and take in lots of folic acid and folate which are good sources for a healthy fetus.
4. If you are on any medication, consult your doctor. He can best advise whether you can continue with the medication or might suggest alternative therapy.
5. Daily exercise that does not harm the baby such as walking is most beneficial.
