Pregnancy after the age of 35 has become increasingly common, as more women are delaying having children until later in life. While it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy and baby at this age, there are also some risks that women should be aware of.
Chromosomal Abnormalities
One of the biggest risks of getting pregnant after 35 is an increased chance of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby, such as Down syndrome. This is because a woman’s eggs age along with her, and as she gets older, the quality of her eggs can decline. In fact, by age 40, the chance of having a baby with Down syndrome is about 1 in 100.
However, it’s important to note that many women in their 30s and even 40s have perfectly healthy babies, and screening tests are available to detect chromosomal abnormalities before birth.
Medical Conditions
Another risk of getting pregnant after 35 is an increased chance of developing certain medical conditions, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and high blood pressure. These conditions can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby, but they can usually be managed with careful monitoring and medical treatment.
Women who get pregnant after 35 are also more likely to have a multiple pregnancy, such as twins or triplets. While multiple pregnancies can be exciting, they also carry a higher risk of complications, such as preterm labor and low birth weight.
Difficulty Conceiving
Finally, women who get pregnant after 35 may have a harder time conceiving, as fertility declines with age. This means that it may take longer to get pregnant, and some women may need to seek fertility treatment to conceive.
However, it’s important to remember that every woman’s fertility is different, and many women are able to conceive naturally in their late 30s and even early 40s.
So, how dangerous is it to get pregnant after 35?
The answer is that it depends on the individual woman and her specific health factors. While there are certainly some risks associated with pregnancy at this age, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.
It’s important for women who are considering pregnancy after 35 to talk to their doctor about their individual risks and to get regular prenatal care throughout their pregnancy.
In conclusion, getting pregnant after 35 is not necessarily dangerous, but it does carry some additional risks that women should be aware of. With proper prenatal care and monitoring, many women are able to have healthy pregnancies and babies at this age. However, it’s important to be informed and to talk to your doctor about your individual risks and concerns.