Pregnancy in Older Women: Waiting to Have a Baby
Pregnancy in Older Women: Waiting to Have a Baby
Many women have delayed starting a family so they can finish their education and begin a career. While this may seem like a wise choice, women who wait until after age 30 to become pregnant for the first time risk dealing with the heartache of infertility and other pregnancy complications.
Births to Older Women Are Increasing
Record numbers of women are becoming pregnant for the first time in their early 40s. One study showed that in 1981, 3.8 percent of every 1,000 births were to women over 40. That percentage increased to 9.7 percent per 1,000 births in 2005. Despite all the media hype and stories about celebrities successfully giving birth to healthy babies later in life, pregnancy after 35 brings with it considerable risk. According to the March of Dimes medical director, Alan Fleischman, M.D., "It does pose some substantial concern for women and their babies."
Risks Associated With Waiting
Infertility
The Mayo Clinic reports that while maximum fertility occurs between the ages of 20 and 24, it remains relatively stable until the early 30s, when it begins to wane. It continues to decline to very low levels once a woman reaches her early 40s. However, women who have carried a pregnancy to term in their 20s, usually do not have the same level of difficulty with fertility later on as do women who wait until their later years to have their first child.
Higher Incidence of Chromosomal Abnormalities
Chromosomal abnormalities in the ova increase as a woman ages. Among the many genetic disorders that can occur, Down Syndrome is the most common. This disorder results from one extra chromosome. Babies born with Down Syndrome suffer from mental retardation and organ defects, including defects of the heart. The risk for these defects increases after age 35 and increases steadily thereafter. Available first trimester tests for chromosomal abnormalities include high-level ultrasound along with specialized blood tests, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and amniocentesis. The tests vary in reliability and accuracy. You can discuss these tests with your obstetrician and decide which one may work best for your individual needs.
Miscarriage
The incidence of miscarriage increases after age 35 and doubles after age 40. Pregnancy loss in women over 35 is often due to the chromosomal abnormalities that occur more frequently in late-life pregnancy.
Pregnancy Related Health Issues
Women who become pregnant for the first time after age 35 have an increased risk of developing pregnancy-related hypertension and gestational diabetes. The hypertension and gestational diabetes usually resolves after giving birth, but pose considerable health risks to both mother and baby during pregnancy. The risk of placental bleeding also increases with these pregnancies.
Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that can occur during pregnancy. It is often characterized by hypertension, sudden and substantial edema of the hands and feet, and protein in the urine. Although researchers are unsure why, the risk of developing pre-eclampsia is higher in women pregnant with their first baby after age 35.
Multiple Births
OB/GYN Physicians consider multiple birth pregnancies higher risk for all women, including younger ones. The incidence of multiple births, even without the use of fertility drugs, is higher in older women.
Labor and Delivery Complications
Older women, having their first baby, are more likely to have prolonged labor requiring the use of forceps or a C-section. Stillbirth is more likely to occur in these women as well.
Your Late-Life Pregnancy
Despite the risks and possible complications, most women deliver healthy babies later in life. Educate yourself about the activities and nutrition that promote a healthy pregnancy, get quality prenatal care from your local OB/GYN clinic, and prepare emotionally for your new addition. Many older parents find that they enjoy greater financial security, knowledge, and experience than younger ones. Because of this, they are often better equipped to focus on the joys of parenthood rather than paying bills and career development.
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