What you need to know about being pregnant at the age of 35 or older. The reality is, many women today choose parenting later in life for a variety of reasons. Choosing their career or educational goals, financial reasons, infertility, lack of a supportive partner, or maybe they're just waiting for their biological clock to say that it's time. The reasons aren't entirely clear why women over the age of 35 are at more risk for medical complications than younger women during pregnancy and birth.
Maybe it's because we've lived longer, have been exposed to more environmental toxins, have had more accidents or illnesses throughout our life. The reality is, if you've been living a healthy life and have taken good care of yourself, age is less of a factor. Age in itself is not a disease, but the reality is that women over the age of 35 are at more risk for developing medical complications that care providers are looking for in all pregnant women. Some of these concerns are things such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or problems with the placenta.
If you're over the age of 35 and pregnant, is there anything you should do that's different than any other pregnant woman? Not really. Take good care of yourself. Get regular prenatal care, take a childbirth education class, and eat a healthy diet, and have a balanced exercise regime, and everything should be great.
There are tests available such as amniocentesis or CVS that can help determine genetic disorders or Down syndrome in women who are pregnant over the age of 35. Consider your options regarding the tests available, and deal with problems if and when they arise.
About video: Learn everything you need to know about being pregnant at age 35 or older from childbirth educator Elizabeth Mangum-Sarach in this Howcast video.
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