Pregnancy after 35: Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Baby

Pregnancy after 35

Also referred to as ‘Geriatric Pregnancy’, pregnancy after 35 comes with higher risk of complications. These risks can be reduced by following correct medical measures and making right lifestyle choices. Read on to know more.

Also referred to as ‘Geriatric Pregnancy’, pregnancy after 35 comes with higher risk of complications. These risks can be reduced by following correct medical measures and making right lifestyle choices. Read on to know more.

Risks Associated with Pregnancy after 35

While pregnancy in your late 30s is possible, there are certain risks associated with it. This includes:

• It might take more time to conceive

As you reach your mid- to late 30s, quantity and quality of eggs both decreases. Also, the egg fertilization process isn’t as easy as it would be when younger. If you're older than 35 and haven't been able to conceive for six months, consider asking your health care provider for advice.

• Multiple pregnancy is common

The chances of having twins increases with age because there can be release of more than one egg at the same time due to hormonal changes.

• Risk of developing gestational diabetes increases

Pregnancy after 35 can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes in women. If you get diagnosed with gestational diabetes, then your chances of experiencing complications, like premature birth, problems with child delivery, etc., can also increase.

• Risk of developing high blood pressure increases

High blood pressure that develops during pregnancy is more common in older age. Hence, your health care provider will carefully & regularly monitor your blood pressure, along with your baby's growth and development. Apart from this, high blood pressure during pregnancy can cause complications like placental abruption, injury to organs, premature delivery, etc.

• High chance of having a cesarean delivery

After age 35, there's a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications that might lead to a C-section delivery.

• Risk of pregnancy loss is higher

The risk of miscarriage and stillbirth increases with age because of preexisting medical conditions or because of chromosomal conditions in the baby.