Having a baby later in life
Like a lot of women older
than age 35, if you are planning to have a baby, you would likely have some
concerns. You may have heard that a woman's risk for complications during
pregnancy goes up after age 35.
The fact is that most
women in their 30s and 40s have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
To ensure a healthy
pregnancy, you should do what any woman should do: Prepare for your baby with
healthy lifestyle choices. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and
learn what you can do to prevent potential problems.
Mother yourself first
The best thing you can do
for your baby is to be in good health before you become pregnant. Eat a
balanced, nutritious diet, lose weight if you are overweight, and make sure you
are getting at least 400 micrograms of folic acid.
Some of the rich sources
of folic acid from food are - Legumes, Spinach, Lentils, Beef Liver,
Egg Noodles, Broccoli, Asparagus, Chickpeas, Oranges
You should have a full
medical exam before you become pregnant. Tell your doctor that you are planning
to become pregnant and ask about potential health risks. For example, if you
have high blood pressure or diabetes, it could affect your pregnancy. Also,
after age 35 you are more likely to develop high blood pressure or diabetes
during pregnancy.
If you have a chronic
condition or other health problem, work with your doctor to get it under
control before you conceive. You should also stop any unhealthy habits, such as
smoking, drinking, or using drugs before you become pregnant. A healthy mother
is more likely to have a healthy baby.
After age 30, women
experience some decrease in fertility, but it's unlikely to prevent you from
becoming pregnant. It may just take longer to conceive. However, if you do not
successfully become pregnant after six months, you may want to talk with your
doctor.
Congratulations, you're going to
be a mother
Once you conceive, it's
important to start prenatal care early. This allows your doctor to monitor your
pregnancy. It also helps ensure that any potential problems are caught and
treated early.
After age 35, a woman's
risk of having a baby with a birth defect increases. To avoid any problems,
your doctor will assess your potential risk based on your personal and family
medical history.
Certain tests before or during pregnancy may include an alpha
fetoprotein test, a quad screen (four hormone levels evaluated through a serum
testing), a fetal cell-free DNA test (fetal DNA evaluated through a maternal blood
sample), an ultrasound, and possibly chromosome and/or genetic studies.
Discuss the pros and cons of these tests with your doctor.
Let’s face it, having a
baby at any age is both exciting and a little scary. Once you have decided to
take the big step into parenthood, try to relax and enjoy your pregnancy.
Remember that most older
mothers have no more problems during pregnancy than younger women do. You'll
feel more confident knowing that you're doing all you can to have a healthy
baby.
Want to find out more?
Visit our website MamaCare.com.au
Visit us on Facebook
Visit us at Google+
Buy MamaCare online MamaCare Shop
