Three Tips for a гƵy Pregnancy After Age 35
Despite what you may hear about the “biological clock,” many women deliver healthy babies at age 35 and beyond. In fact, it is becoming increasingly for women in their 30s and 40s to become new moms.
“It’s important to know that most people over age 35 will have uncomplicated, healthy pregnancies, especially if they’re otherwise healthy,” says Lauren Theilen, MD, MS, assistant professor of maternal-fetal medicine at гƵ of Utah гƵ. “Even people with health problems can generally take steps to control those conditions and set themselves up for a healthy pregnancy.”
If you're planning to get pregnant later in life, please know it's not too late. Here are some steps you can take to reduce possible risks for you and your baby.
1. Know Your Risks
Pregnancy complications can happen at any age, but some are more likely to happen to women over age 40, including:
- Pregnancy loss
- Fetal anomalies
- Preeclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- Pre-term birth
- Cesarean delivery
“If you're planning a pregnancy, communicate this with your health care provider to ensure any medications you’re taking are safe for the baby,” Theilen says. “Some may even consider a pre-pregnancy consultation with a high-risk pregnancy doctor to discuss anticipated risks and how to mitigate them.”
Keep in mind that many women with high-risk pregnancies have healthy outcomes. Just be sure to attend every to prepare for the nine months ahead.
2. Get Pre-Baby Ready
When it comes to pregnancy planning, preventive care is key. This includes assessing your health risks, including family history, and attending routine medical appointments.
“Heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes become more common as we age, further increasing pregnancy risks,” Theilen says. “These conditions can be screened and treated if you have a primary care provider and see them annually for check-ups.”
Here are some healthy lifestyle changes that can greatly benefit both mother and baby:
- Eat a healthy diet (think lean protein, produce, and grains)
- Just say no to nicotine, alcohol, and recreational drugs
- Get a good night’s sleep (at least eight hours a night)
- Stick to an exercise routine each day (at least 30 minutes)
- Practice stress-management techniques such as yoga and mindfulness
“I encourage people to incorporate physical activity into their wellness plan as a way to decrease stress and improve pregnancy outcomes,” Theilen advises.
3. Don't Skip Your Postpartum Visits
Even if you're feeling great after delivery, don't skip your postpartum check-ups. These appointments are vital for addressing any potential physical and mental health issues early on.
“Postpartum check-ups are a great opportunity to discuss the transition from pregnancy care to primary care, and to remind patients when they should be following up with their primary care provider for health screenings,” Theilen explains. “It also allows us to capture things like persistent high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or depression that would benefit from treatment.”
Throughout your pregnancy journey, remember to take care of yourself. Staying proactive about your health will make all the difference for you and your little one.
