It's a myth that being 35 or older means your pregnancy will be high risk. Making the right choices now and working with your health care provider can help your pregnancy be trouble-free.
Most women who are 35 or older have normal pregnancies, but there are some special things you need to think about before becoming pregnant. Once a woman reaches 35, she has a greater chance of the following:
Having fertility problems
Having a miscarriage or fetal loss in the second or third trimester
Developing diabetes or high blood pressure while pregnant
Being constantly tired when pregnant
Giving birth by cesarean section (surgery needed to deliver a baby)
Having babies with genetic problems such as Down syndrome
Having multiple births
Before and after you become pregnant:
Don't use recreational drugs.
Don't drink alcohol.
Don't smoke.
Before and during your pregnancy:
Take a daily vitamin supplement that contains folic acid and iron.
Eat a high-fiber, low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Stay physically active.
Keep a healthy weight.
You may need extra care if you have any of the following:
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Other chronic health problems
Fertility counseling. As we age, becoming pregnant can be difficult. Ask your health care provider how long you should try to get pregnant before seeking help from a specialist.
Genetic counseling. Genetic counseling studies the risk of birth defects in your baby. You will be asked detailed questions about your family health history and may also have medical tests.
Amniocentesis. This test studies amniotic fluid (liquid that surrounds the fetus in the womb). Amniocentesis can help diagnose birth defects and other medical problems.
Publication Source: March of Dimes
Online Source: March of Dimes
Date Last Reviewed: 2006-01-01T00:00:00-07:00
Date Last Modified: 2002-07-09T00:00:00-06:00
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