HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH GETTING PREGNANT AT AGE 35 AND ABOVE

The biological clock of women is an astonishing fact of life, and there's actually nothing magical or spiritual about age 35, and more, in women. It's simply just an age at which various health risks become more at play and as such becomes discussion worthy.

The biggest obstacle for women age 35 or older may be getting pregnant in the first place. Fertility rates begin to decline gradually at aged 30, more so at 35, and markedly at age 40. Even with fertility treatments such as in–vitro fertilization, women have more difficulty getting pregnant as they age.

Studies have shown that in women it might take longer to get pregnant at age 35 and above than the younger ages. 

As a woman reaches her mid- to late 30s, her eggs decrease in quantity and quality. Also in older women, the eggs aren't fertilized as easily as that of the younger woman's eggs. 

As a matter of fact, older women ,especially those at 45 and older rarely get pregnant, even with fertility treatment. Fertility specialists routinely recommend oocyte donation ( IVF with eggs donated by a young egg donor) for these women because pregnancies with their own eggs are so rare.

We've always advised all women who are older than 35 and haven't been able to conceive for six months and more, to quickly consider asking their health care providers for advice.

Infertility evaluation is generally recommended for women who have been trying to get pregnant for 12 months or longer. But if you're 35 or older, don't wait a whole year. Get an evaluation after six months, or sooner if you suspect that something may not be right – such as if your periods aren't regular, or if you've had previous abdominal surgery.

 Again, studies have shown that older women are more likely to have multiple pregnancies than their young female counterparts. The chance of having twins increases with age in women. As such, the use of assisted reproductive technologies — such as in–vitro fertilization — can very well play a good role. 

Older women are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes, which occurs only during pregnancy, is more common as women get older. Hence, tight control of blood sugar through diet and physical activity is very essential. Sometimes medication is needed, too. If left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause a baby to grow significantly larger than average — which increases the risk of injuries to mother during delivery. 

Pre-eclampsia, placental abruption (in which the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall), and placenta previa 

(in which the placenta lies low in the uterus, partly or completely covering the cervix).

Research also shows that your chances of having a low-birth-weight baby (less than 5 1/2 pounds) or a premature delivery increase with age. Some studies show that older women are more likely to need pitocin during labor, and most studies show a significantly higher rate of delivery by cesarean section.

Older women are more likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Research suggests that high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy is more common in older women. Your health care provider will carefully monitor your blood pressure and your baby's growth and development. You might need to take medication or deliver your baby before your due date to avoid complications. 

Women who are 35 and above are more likely to have a low birth weight baby and a premature birth. Premature babies, especially those born earliest, often have complicated medical problems. 

Women who are of age 35 and above might have a higher probability of needing a C-section. Older mothers have a higher risk of pregnancy related complications that might lead to a C-section delivery, such as placenta previa — a condition in which the placenta blocks the cervix. Women also have more trouble staying pregnant as they get older: The rates of miscarriage and ectopy pregnancy go up substantially with age.

The risk of chromosome abnormalities is also higher in women of age 35 and above.. Babies born to older mothers have a higher risk of certain chromosome problems, such as Down syndrome. 

The risk of pregnancy loss is also higher in older women . The risk of pregnancy loss (by miscarriage and stillbirth) increases as women get older, perhaps due to pre-existing medical conditions or fetal chromosomal abnormalities. You need to ask your health care provider about monitoring your baby's well-being during the last weeks of pregnancy.

Women who give birth at 35 or older have a higher risk of Stillbirth and maternal death  The increased risk is largely due to underlying medical problems more common in older women. Proper diagnosis and treatment will help reduce the risks for you and your baby.

If you're considering getting pregnant, see your doctor or midwife for a thorough examination. Your provider will take a detailed medical and family history of both prospective parents to identify conditions that might affect your pregnancy or your chances of getting pregnant. You can manage many of the risks of pregnancy at age 35 and up by seeing your doctor or midwife regularly for good prenatal care.

Make healthy choices

Taking good care of yourself is the best way to take care of your baby. Pay special attention to the basics:

Make a preconception appointment: 

Talk to your health care provider about your overall health and discuss lifestyle changes that might improve your chances for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Address any concerns you might have about fertility or pregnancy. Ask about how to boost the odds of conception — and options if you have trouble conceiving. 

Seek regular prenatal care. 

Regular prenatal visits help your health care provider monitor your health and your baby's health. Mention any signs or symptoms that concern you. Talking to your health care provider is likely to put your mind at ease. 

Eat a healthy diet. During pregnancy, you'll need more folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamin D and other essential nutrients. If you're already eating a healthy diet, keep it up. A daily prenatal vitamin — ideally starting a few months before conception — can help fill any gaps. Gain weight wisely. Gaining the right amount of weight can support your baby's health — and make it easier to shed the extra pounds after delivery. Work with your health care provider to determine what's right for you. 

You must stay active all the time.  

Regular physical activity can help ease or even prevent discomfort, boost your energy level and improve your overall health. It can also help you prepare for labor and childbirth by increasing your stamina and muscle strength. Get your health care provider's OK before starting or continuing an exercise program, especially if you have an underlying condition. 

Avoid risky substances. 

Alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs are off-limits during pregnancy. Clear any medications or supplements with your health care provider ahead of time. 

Learn about prenatal testing for chromosomal abnormalities. 

Ask your doctor about noninvasive prenatal testing, a blood test that examines fetal DNA in the maternal bloodstream to determine whether your baby is at risk of certain specific chromosomal abnormalities. Diagnostic tests such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis provide information about your baby's chromosomes or the risk of specific chromosomal abnormalities, but also carry a slight risk of miscarriage. Your health care provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits.

Look toward the future

The choices you make now — even before conception — can have a lasting effect on your baby. Think of pregnancy as an opportunity to nurture your baby and prepare for the exciting changes ahead.

Make sure you do all above as advised, and your chance of having a healthy baby should be similar to that of younger women who are also in good health.