Geriatric Pregnancy: What Is It?
The phrase “geriatric pregnancy” refers to pregnancies in women who are 35 or older. Rest assured that the majority of healthy women who become pregnant after the age of 35 and even into their 40s give birth to healthy children. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider sensible measures to guarantee that you and your unborn child remain as healthy as possible throughout your pregnancy.
Hazards of Geriatric Pregnancy
No matter how old you are when you become pregnant, issues might still occur. However, some increase in likelihood as you reach 35, such as:
High blood pressure, which can lead to preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure and organ damage)
Gestational diabetes
Miscarriage or stillbirth
Labor problems that require you to have a C-section
Premature birth
Low birthweight
Chromosome disorders in the baby, like Down syndrome
Advantages of Elderly Pregnancy
On the other hand, there is evidence to suggest that delaying parenthood until you are older may benefit both you and your unborn kid. Studies have revealed:
Due to their greater earnings and propensity for higher education, older mothers may have access to more resources than younger mothers.
Mothers who are older are more likely to live longer.
Children of older mothers may grow up to be healthier, happier, and more intelligent.
How Can I Up the Odds That I Will Have a Healthy Baby?
Preconception checkups and counseling. When you decide you’re ready to have a baby, take these steps before you get pregnant.
See your doctor. Get a checkup to make sure you’re ready for pregnancy physically and emotionally.
Get early and regular prenatal care.The first 8 weeks of your pregnancy are important to your baby’s development. Early and regular prenatal care can boost your chances of having a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. Prenatal care includes screenings, regular exams, pregnancy and childbirth education, and counseling and support.
Getting prenatal care also provides extra protection for women over 35. It lets your doctor stay on top of health conditions that are more common among women who are older when they get pregnant. For instance, your age may increase your risk for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure along with protein in the urine. During prenatal visits, the doctor will check your blood pressure, test your urine for protein and sugar, and test your blood glucose levels. That lets them catch and treat problems early.
Consider optional tests for women over 35.The doctor may offer prenatal tests that are a good idea for older moms. They can help figure out if your baby is likely to have a birth defect. Ask your doctor about these tests so you can learn the risks and benefits and decide what’s right for you.
Take prenatal vitamins. All women of childbearing age should take a daily prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Getting enough folic acid every day before and during the first 3 months of pregnancy can help prevent defects in your baby’s brain and spinal cord. Taking folic acid adds extra protection for older women who are more likely to have babies with birth defects. Some prenatal vitamins have 800-1,000 mcg of folic acid. This is still safe in pregnancy. As a matter of fact, some women need more than 400 mcg to protect against birth defects. Don’t take more than 1,000 mcg (1 milligram) of folic acid without asking your doctor. Women with a history of a child with neural tube defects need 4000 mcg.
