People over 35 have a slightly higher risk of pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and chromosomal conditions. Nonetheless, most people who conceive after 35 go on to deliver healthy babies.
Many women want to be fully informed when they are pregnant. However, they also may find that the information they receive can be overwhelming.
1. High Blood Pressure
When women become pregnant at age 35 and older, their risk for medical problems increases. These include high blood pressure, gestational diabetes (which occurs only during pregnancy), and a greater chance of having a baby with chromosomal conditions, like Down syndrome.
However, these risks exist on a continuum, and the number 35 isn’t a magic cut-off point. In fact, many women who become pregnant after 35 have healthy pregnancies and babies. They just need extra monitoring based on their pre-existing health conditions. This would include more ultrasounds, and tests to check for heart disease or gestational diabetes.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes, especially prediabetes, can increase your risk for complications in pregnancy. Your doctor can help you control your blood sugar level before pregnancy to prevent this from happening.
Your chances of having a miscarriage increase as you age. This is because older eggs have a higher chance of dividing unequally, leading to chromosomal abnormalities. These include Down syndrome.
3. High Cholesterol
Pregnancy after 35 isn’t unheard of, and most people have healthy babies. But getting pregnant at a later age does come with a higher risk for complications like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and chromosomal abnormalities.
Women over 35 are also more likely to have other medical conditions that can affect pregnancy outcomes, like obesity, high blood pressure and decreased cardiovascular reserve. If you and your doctor work together to manage these conditions, most pregnancies are healthy. The number of babies born to people over 35 is rising.
4. Obesity
People who have their first child at or after age 35 tend to have smaller families. They also have more financial stability, education level and experience with parenting.
Despite the risks of pregnancy after 35, most women go on to deliver healthy babies. The risk of complications increases as women get older because of the likelihood of having underlying health problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Women over 35 are also more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities in their baby. These conditions are known as teratogenic.
5. Cardiovascular Disease
Women over 35 can have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies. However, it is important to understand the risks associated with advanced maternal age.
As a woman ages, her eggs decline in quality. This increases the risk of chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome and other genetic disorders in her baby. It also increases the risk of complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. This is why it’s essential for women to get proper care throughout their pregnancy.
6. Stroke
The risk of having a stroke or blood clots in the brain increases with age, especially when people have other health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. But most people who get pregnant after 35 go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.
Many studies have looked at pregnancy in women of advanced maternal age (AMA). They’ve described the medical risks and complications as well as the social and cultural implications. But the most important thing to know is that most pregnant women over 35 have healthy pregnancies and babies.
7. Heart Attack
Pregnancy after 35 increases the risk of complications, like hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes and chromosomal abnormalities, but most women have healthy pregnancies at this age. Eating well, exercising regularly, not smoking and managing health conditions prior to conception can improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Women with heart disease may need more monitoring, such as additional ultrasounds and non-stress tests. This may also include a consult with a doctor who specializes in high-risk pregnancies, called a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. They should be familiar with your medical history.
8. Cancer
Celebrities like Alanis Morrisette, Hilary Swank and Kourtney Kardashian are proving that age is just a number. However, it is important to understand the risks involved when deciding whether or not to become pregnant.
Some risks increase with age, such as the risk of miscarriage and the chance of chromosomal defects (genetic problems in the fetus) such as Down syndrome. But overall, these risks are lower than people may fear. Larger studies are needed to help confirm these results. In the meantime, healthcare providers should offer both risk-oriented and favourable information about later childbearing.
9. Premature Birth
Women over 35 have a higher risk of pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure and a greater likelihood of having a C-section. They also face a higher risk of having babies with chromosomal conditions and of having a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Despite these risks, many women who get pregnant after 35 have healthy pregnancies. This may be because they are more financially stable and have better access to medical care. They are also more likely to be screened for underlying health problems before becoming pregnant. This can help prevent complications and improve their chances of having a healthy baby.
10. Birth Defects
Many people who become pregnant over 35 can have healthy pregnancies and babies. However, the health risks increase with age.
Birth defects include chromosomal abnormalities (missing, extra, or changes to genes) and structural abnormalities, such as heart and urinary tract problems.
One study used birth certificate data to look at the effect of maternal age on stillbirth. The results showed that advanced maternal age is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. This is also true when other factors, such as ethnicity and consanguinity, are taken into account.
