Many people are now getting married and thinking about having a child when they are a little older. Maybe you are also busy with work, education, etc., and are now thinking about starting a family. If you are 35 years old, you may have a fear in the corner of your mind, "Oh, I am old now, will it be a problem to have a baby ?" It is very normal. But the best thing is that there are many mothers in society today who give birth to healthy children after the age of 35, even in their forties. The most important thing is to be properly informed about this and take the necessary steps. Let's talk about this today.
What is 'Advanced Maternal Age'?
Simply put, if you are 35 years old or older when you are expecting a baby, medically we call this condition ' advanced maternal age '. Although terms like "geriatric pregnancy" were used for this in the past, those terms are not used much anymore.
This doesn't mean you can't have a healthy baby. It just means that some health risks may increase with age, and you and your doctor need to pay special attention to them.
What are the risks of pregnancy after age 35?
Pregnancy complications can occur at any age. However, after age 35, the risk of the following conditions increases slightly. But remember, by working closely with your doctor, you can manage all of these risks.
| Risk | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | This can sometimes lead to a dangerous condition called preeclampsia (high blood pressure and damage to internal organs). |
| Gestational Diabetes | Diabetes limited to pregnancy. |
| Miscarriage or stillbirth | This risk increases slightly with age. |
| Needing a cesarean section (C-section) | There is a high chance of having to resort to a cesarean section due to complications during childbirth. |
| Premature birth | The birth of a child before the due date. |
| Low birthweight | The baby's birth weight is below normal. |
| Chromosomal disorders in the child | The risk of developing conditions such as Down syndrome increases with age. |
Why do these risks increase with age?
There are two main reasons for this. Consider that when a woman is born, her body has a certain number of eggs that she will need for the rest of her life. As she ages, the number of eggs decreases, and the quality of the remaining eggs also gradually decreases. This increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs.
Another thing is that a 35-year-old is already more likely to develop chronic diseases like high blood pressure than a 25-year-old. So, these conditions can be further complicated by pregnancy.
Are there any advantages to this?
Yes, don't be surprised! Studies have shown that there are some benefits to becoming a mother at an older age.
- Older mothers are often better educated and have a stable income , so they are more able to provide the resources needed for their child.
- Because you have better mental stability and life experience, it may be easier to face the challenges of motherhood.
- According to some studies, mothers who have children at an older age tend to live longer .
- It is also said that your child will have better health, education, and a better upbringing .
How to increase the chances of having a healthy baby?
If you take care of these things, you too can have a healthy, beautiful pregnancy .
Let's prepare before getting pregnant.
If you're thinking about having a baby, see your doctor before you even try to get pregnant. This is called a 'preconception checkup'. This is where you can check whether your body and mind are ready for pregnancy.
Get proper prenatal care from an early age.
It is essential to have regular medical check-ups from the moment you find out you are pregnant. The first 8 weeks are especially important for the baby's development. Your doctor will regularly check your blood pressure, urine protein and sugar levels, and blood glucose levels. This allows for early detection and treatment of conditions such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
Take essential vitamins (Prenatal Vitamins)
It is important for every woman who is expecting a baby to take a daily vitamin pill containing folic acid . This is especially important if you are over the age of 35. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects in the baby's brain and spinal cord. The recommended daily dose is 400 micrograms. However, do not take more than 1,000 micrograms (1 milligram) without consulting your doctor.
Learn about Genetic Testing
As your baby's risk of developing chromosomal abnormalities increases with age, there are several tests that can help you find out. These are not mandatory, but it's wise to talk to your doctor about this and make the decision that's best for you.
| Test Name | What does this do? |
|---|---|
| Cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) | You can get a basic understanding of conditions like Down syndrome by taking a sample of your blood and testing the baby's DNA. |
| Amniocentesis | A test that takes a small amount of amniotic fluid from the uterus. This can accurately identify genetic conditions. However, there is a very small risk of miscarriage. |
| Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) | A test that takes a sample of cells from the placenta. Like amniocentesis, this also carries very little risk. |
| Quad Screen | A blood test done in the second trimester. This measures the levels of four substances in your blood (AFP, HCG, Estriol, Inhibin-A) to give an idea of your risk factors. |
Taking care of yourself is just as important.
Just as you think about your baby, it's also important to think about yourself. If you're healthy, your baby will be healthy too.
- Healthy diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Eat foods rich in calcium .
- Gain weight properly: Only gain weight as recommended by your doctor. Gaining too much weight is not good.
- Exercise: Ask your doctor and engage in simple exercises that are right for you. Even something like walking is fine.
- Stop smoking and alcohol completely: These are very harmful to the baby.
- Control other diseases: If you have diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure, control them well before getting pregnant.
- Be careful with medications: Do not take any medicine, painkillers, or vitamins without consulting your doctor.
Postpartum Recovery
The first 12 weeks after giving birth are a very important time for your health. Especially if you are over 35, it is essential to get plenty of rest and take care of your health during this time. It is a good idea to see your doctor for a check-up within 2-3 weeks after giving birth.
Seek medical advice immediately!
If you develop symptoms such as high fever and chills, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or excessive bleeding after giving birth, go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately or inform your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Being over 35 is not an obstacle to having a healthy baby, but you and your doctor should pay close attention to it.
- It is extremely important to work closely with your doctor before and throughout pregnancy.
- Many risk factors can be reduced by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
- Don't be afraid of genetic testing, talk to your doctor about it, and make an informed decision.
- Never hesitate to ask your doctor any questions, concerns, or doubts that come to your mind. Your happiness and health are what matters.
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