Modern women are increasingly delaying the birth of a child and decide on this step already in adulthood. We will not understand the reasons for this trend, although it is based on obvious social and economic conditions. In this article, we decided to focus on the medical aspects of pregnancy after 35 years and discuss the possible risks.
Infertility
With age, physiological changes occur in a woman’s body, which determine the gradual extinction of reproductive function. The stock of eggs, which is given at birth, decreases, hormonal changes occur. Therefore, more and more cycles are anovulatory, although the menstrual cycle remains regular.
Given the existing features, women of mature age are recommended to undergo an infertility examination after six months of unsuccessful attempts to conceive. Particular attention should be paid to assessing the ovarian reserve based on ultrasound and hormonal profiles.
After 45 years, spontaneous pregnancy is becoming a rarity. If a woman at this age is planning a baby, doctors usually recommend in vitro fertilization with transplantation of a donor egg to increase the chances of having a baby. In addition, over time, gynecological diseases appear, which also affect conception. So, in adulthood, many women develop inflammation of the pelvic organs, uterine fibroids, endometriosis.
Multiple pregnancy
There are also statistics that confirm the dependence of the twins birth rate on the woman's age. In other words, the older the expectant mother, the more likely a multiple pregnancy is. The use of assisted reproductive technologies in adulthood also increases the likelihood of having twins.
The birth of twins or twins brings double joy, but also creates a double burden on the female body, and this increases the risks of miscarriage, the development of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Pregnancy complications
Not only the reproductive system is exposed to age-related changes, but also the rest of the systems and organs of the human body. Pregnant women of mature age are more likely to develop gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia. These factors during pregnancy planning require a thorough examination by a gynecologist and other specialists to exclude diseases that can occur in a latent form. During the bearing of the child, it is necessary to regularly monitor the level of glucose in the blood and blood pressure indicators.
Spontaneous miscarriages
Statistics show: the older the expectant mother, the higher her risk of spontaneous miscarriage. Every fourth woman between the ages of 35 and 45 faces this.Probably the increasing risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities and acquired gynecological diseases are the main factors that negatively affect gestation.
From the first weeks of pregnancy, it is required to be regularly observed by a doctor. At a later age, as a rule, gestagen drugs are more often prescribed, which provide hormonal support for pregnancy.
Chromosomal pathologies
Age is an essential factor, which in itself causes the likelihood of developing chromosomal pathologies. According to statistics, among 40-year-olds, the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome is 1: 100.
It is worth noting that at any age a woman can give birth to a baby with problems. Only with late pregnancy, you need to pay more attention to prenatal screening. This procedure consists of two stages and is based on biochemical markers and ultrasound results. As a result, the doctor manages to determine the high-risk group, which requires an invasive diagnosis.
We in no way affirm that after 35 years you should not become a mother, this is not at all the case. After all, age is just a figure. What is really important is the general state of physical health, psychological and emotional background. There are simply some trends that are laid down by nature itself, so it makes no sense to deny them. Therefore, after 35 years, it is especially important to remember the existing risks and approach pregnancy planning with maximum responsibility.
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Let's just say that pregnancy and childbirth are always a risk to the health and life of a woman at any age, and late pregnancy is especially dangerous, the hormonal background changes, and if there were any health problems, this is an additional risk. But the child is the most important thing and women go for it at any age.
I do not know what caused the pathology of the birth of children with a dissected palate and upper lip - the so-called “cleft palate” and “cleft lip”. But I was born with just such deformities. My mother was 38 years old. It’s worth considering.
My mother was 41 years old when I was born! And everything is fine! With a weight of 4750 g and a height of 55 cm, it is completely healthy.