Being pregnant is one of the best feelings in the world. Sure, it may have its downsides, but once you realize you're carrying a little bundle of joy in your arms after a few months, these pregnancy symptoms begin to subside!
After all, starting a family is an amazing goal to achieve with someone you love. But of course, there are some risks that may come your way when you get pregnant, especially if you are older. Many older women tend to wonder if there is still a possibility of carrying a child.
While you are still able to become pregnant, you must be knowledgeable about the risks and symptoms that may come your way because of your age.
So read on as I show you about the risks of pregnancy in aged women.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Pregnancy for Aged Women?
Pregnancy is an amazing journey that comes with the usual set of symptoms, though there is more of a risk for older women, sometimes even fatal.
But how come this happens?
This is because of the heightened risks older women have against certain conditions and diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Here are the specific risks older women may experience when pregnant:
- You have a heightened risk of gestational diabetes, which increases a risk of premature birth, complications after delivery, or high blood pressure.
- You may have a premature birth and deliver a very lightweight baby. And premature babies often have medical problems. There is also more of a risk of chromosome abnormalities.
- You are more likely to need a C-section, as you are more at risk or pregnancy-related complications. The risk of miscarriage is higher as well.
Besides these risks, there is also a lessened chance of conception. This is because your fertility begins to decrease at the age of 32, the decrease becoming more rapid after you hit 37 years old.
Women start to become less fertile the older they get as they start life with only a limited number of eggs in the ovaries.
As they grow older, the number decreases. Furthermore, eggs won't be fertilized as easily in older women compared to their younger counterparts. So not only there are risks associated with pregnancy for older women, but it may also be more difficult to conceive, especially if both you and your partner are older than 40 years old.
Pregnancy At An Older Age
If you are pregnant and older than 40 years, old, then there is still hope that your baby will come out healthy and energetic. Here are some things to follow to ensure a safe pregnancy:
- Always take good care of yourself. It's important to have a healthy diet and get regular exercise, like walking or low-impact workouts. Quit any vices such as smoking or drinking immediately.
- If you are obese or overweight, then it's time to start creating a healthy meal plan that helps you lose weight gradually.
- Take folic acid and B vitamins to help with your baby's overall health and to reduce the risk of a neural tube defect upon delivery.
- Practice proper sleeping habits and always get enough rest. Avoid any stressors that may harm you and your baby.
- Visit your health care professional regularly for them to monitor the movement and status of your pregnancy. If you ever feel discomfort or pain, then seek help immediately to find the cause to ensure that you and your baby are safe. your medical team will be able to manage any problems if they do arise.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, then consult your doctor to properly manage it while pregnant to avoid any complications during the pregnancy and delivery.
Wrapping It Up
While older women should be careful when carrying a baby, that doesn't mean it's impossible to do so. As long as you are aware of the risks and you keep up a healthy lifestyle, then there's not much to worry about. Working with your medical team throughout the whole pregnancy is a huge help as well.
I hope that this article on the risks of pregnancy for aged women helped you become more knowledgeable about the things that may happen while you are carrying your child.
So whether you plan on conceiving or already on the way, then check with your doctor for more information on pregnancy at an older age.
If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences, then comment down below. I would love to hear what you have to think.
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