• Pregnancy Tests
• Prenatal Care
• Prenatal Tests
• Group B Strep
• Pregnancy after 35
• High Risk pregnancies

10 things to know about Pregnancy after 35

Over the past 25 years, the number of women over age 35 having babies has grown. In fact, most healthy women from age 35 into their 40s have healthy pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies. Even women with preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension and those developing pregnancy complications can deliver healthy babies.

Good prenatal care and healthy habits are the keys to reduce health risks!

1. Birth Defects. Older women are at higher risk of giving birth to a baby with chromosomal abnormalities. At age 35, the risk is 1 in 192. At age 40, the risk is 1 in 66. At age 45, the risk is 1 in 21. Genetic counseling and prenatal tests help you screen for Trisomy-21, Trisomy-18 etc. Amniocentesis is recommended for women over 35.
2. Hypertension. Older women are more likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy called Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH). Whether you develop high blood pressure or had high blood pressure prior to pregnancy, you will need to see your doctor more often to keep the blood pressure under control.
3. Diabetes. Older women are also more likely to have Gestational Diabetes, a form of diabetes that only develops during pregnancy. Whether you have preexisting diabetes or have gestational diabetes, the risks for mom and baby are minimized when the diabetes is well controlled.
4. Preterm Labor. Older women are more likely to have pre-term labor or labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. When diagnosed, labor can be postponed with bed rest and medication.
5. Multiples. Older women are more predisposed to conceive multiple fetuses even without in vitro fertilization. The risks of complications including risk of cesarean birth are higher with multiple pregnancies. Close monitoring is essential to manage complications as they arise.
6. Miscarriage. Pregnancy loss prior to 20 weeks occurs in about 15% of all pregnancies. It is more common in older women. Report cramping, spotting, or bleeding to your doctor.
7. Infertility. Fertility decreases with age. If you are older than 35 and don’t get pregnant after trying for six months, see your health care provider. Fertility treatment is available.
8. Get Prenatal Care. Inform your obstetrical provider before trying to get pregnant if you have chronic medical condition such as diabetes or hypertension or are on medication.
9. Develop healthy habits to reduce risks during pregnancy:
• Eat healthy foods and augment diet with prenatal vitamins and folate
• Gain a healthy amount of weight, 25-35 pounds for most women.
• Get regular and moderate exercise, with your health care provider’s guidance.
• Abstain from alcohol, cigarettes and illegal drugs.
• Don’t take any medications or herbal supplements without first checking with your health care provider.
10. Relax and enjoy your pregnancy.