Myths and Reality of Late Pregnancy

Is late pregnancy really dangerous, doctors say? Is it true that later children are happier and more talented, as psychologists say? We will understand the myths and facts about late birth in this article.

In Soviet times, a young mother over 25 was called "old-born", which, of course, was insulting to a woman. Now public opinion has changed, now even after 35 years it is not at all shameful to plan a child. Future mothers and progressive doctors are actively adopting Western experience, because in the USA and Europe, motherhood in adulthood is a common occurrence. True, in our country there are still many myths and prejudices. Are all of them really groundless or are some of them true?

• After 30 years, it is harder to get pregnant than at 20. By and large, this is true: with age, the number of ovulations decreases, and not in every cycle the eggs leave. Only there is one “but” - the period of fertility is purely individual: there are women who have menopause at 40, but others may become pregnant even at 50.
• The older the woman, the more difficult the pregnancy. It is not a fact that at 40, the expectant mother will feel worse than at 20. All pregnancies are individual, in each case there may be pitfalls. There is no doubt about one thing: with age, more and more ailments and chronic diseases appear, and they will certainly manifest themselves during the gestation of the child. Most often, women who become pregnant in adulthood complain of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, hypertension and other problems with the cardiovascular system, endocrine pathologies, metabolic disorders, diseases of the spine and joints.
• Late pregnancy and childbirth rejuvenate a woman. Yes, they really do rejuvenate, but only psychologically. A newly made mother feels a surge of strength, a surge of positive emotions, she has many important things to do, as well as an understanding of why and for whom she now lives. Indeed, with a child, a person seems to be returning to his childhood - to his once beloved books, toys, creative pursuits. All this improves the mood, fills life with joy. Here are just a physical condition after pregnancy and childbirth improves only in isolated cases. Some mothers say that their skin began to look better, allergies or even asthma went away, and hormonal balance normalized. However, most often, the birth of a child does not affect physical health in any way or, conversely, to a certain extent wears out the body.
• Childbirth in adulthood is complicated. In addition to diseases manifested during pregnancy, a woman may encounter new problems after the birth of crumbs. As the skin and muscles become less elastic, tears during childbirth are therefore possible. Due to age-related changes in the bones, pains occur in the spine, because after the birth of the baby there is a sharp shift in the center of gravity of the body.Often, against the background of late pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal disorders occur.
• With late pregnancy, the risk of developing diseases in the fetus is increased. Unfortunately, this is a scientifically proven fact. Scientists confirm that in 40-year-old women, children with genetic diseases really are born more often than in 25-year-olds. Nevertheless, the statistics are encouraging: only 3% of babies that were born to mothers over 40 have a Down syndrome. Various pathologies can also be provoked by intrauterine hypoxia, if the future mother has a disturbed blood circulation, and insufficient intake of useful substances. Therefore, all pregnant women must adhere to a healthy lifestyle and be monitored by a gynecologist on time.
• Motherhood closer to 40 years is a conscious. According to psychologists, a modern woman becomes ready to become a mother only from 32 years old, not earlier. This is the logic: if a woman makes a career, stands firmly on her feet, begins to feel morally, financially secure and makes a conscious decision to give birth, it is highly likely that she will show wisdom and patience in raising a child. However, there are exceptions: mature mothers may be tormented by fears related to the health and safety of the crumbs, and some of them, prone to depression, even perceive the birth of a baby as a sign of their old age.
• After late birth, it is difficult to return to its former forms. This is also a prejudice rather than the truth. With age, it really becomes more difficult to tighten sagging skin on the stomach and chest. But you can always lose weight - there would be a desire. The assertion that hormones are to blame for the postpartum fullness is simply an excuse for those mothers who do not want to make efforts and limit themselves in something. If weight gain is not caused by a serious pathology, then proper nutrition, fitness and a healthy lifestyle will help to return prenatal forms and even become even slimmer - we lose weight after childbirth.
• Later children are happier and more talented. This statement, although controversial, is still not an absolute myth. Moms in adulthood have the opportunity to spend more time with children than 20-year-olds. It is easier for them to retire and focus only on the child, they no longer need noisy parties, they are not discouraged by the fact that they are forced to sit at home while their friends continue to live an active life. As a result, the little one gets more mother’s love, care, affection, he often walks with him in the fresh air, play developmental games, read, communicate. What else does a baby need in order to grow up a happy and contented life?

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In general, it can be argued that at the current level of development of medicine and society, pregnancy in adulthood is a completely normal phenomenon. It is only important to approach her with all responsibility: be examined in advance by a doctor, normalize nutrition and sleep, and monitor your health. During pregnancy, you must regularly go to the gynecologist's office, take all the tests, do an ultrasound, and, of course, continue to adhere to a healthy lifestyle.

We also read:

• What is the danger of late pregnancy
• 5 dangers of late pregnancy

Pregnancy after forty years: why be afraid

Pregnancy after 40 years

The topic is discussed by gynecologist Bakhtiyarov Kamil Rafaelovich and cardiologist Maria Vyacheslavovna Dekalina. They talk about the course of pregnancy at this age: