Pregnancy after 40 is not dangerous if the necessary precautions are taken

My mom always wondered how famous women put off giving birth until they’re 40. I have heard medical professionals over the years state that 30 years is the ideal age for a woman to give birth to healthy children. Down syndrome and congenital anomalies are on the list of possibilities if one has to have a child after the age of 35. But medical technology has been reaching new heights with new research and concepts adapted for the welfare of mankind. It has made the impossible possible and women who have not had the opportunity to have children in their 30s can now think about having children in their 40s as well. Lifestyle choices must also be considered, as one may have to rely on assisted instruments to conceive in their 40s.

Let’s understand what can make pregnancy possible after 40:

Although pregnancy is possible after the age of 40, it is obvious that you have complications during a pregnancy before the age of 40 and 30. It is always suggested that one should have it as soon as possible.

Make a pre-consultation before pregnancy: Consider all possibilities for a healthy conception. Discuss possible complications and ways to eliminate them with the caregiver. Get a conception action plan or learn about available fertility options. One thing must be kept in mind: having children after the age of 40 should receive special attention and is not as common as it is before the age of 40. The doctor may request the necessary investigations to ensure that you are capable of giving birth to child. Have your health care professional assess your chances of getting pregnant. Understand the risk of congenital chromosomal abnormalities in babies if the pregnancy is after the age of 40.

Be aware of gestational-induced hypertension and diabetes: Hypertension is likely during pregnancy and the risk intensifies with increasing age. Blood pressure needs to be monitored continuously and the doctor may prescribe some medications and a special diet to keep the pressure under control. If left untreated, this can lead to pre-eclampsia.

Gestational hypertension is a condition induced by pregnancy and is more likely with increasing age. If left untreated, it can be fatal and lead to a larger baby. Therefore, it is essential that the blood sugar level is under control with an exercise regimen and a healthy diet. You may even have medicine to keep your diabetes under control.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle even before conception: Living a healthy life even before pregnancy increases your chances of getting pregnant. A healthy diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and higher amounts of protein along with a good exercise regimen will keep you in shape for the impending conception. Quit alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse if you like them, as they greatly reduce your chances of getting pregnant.

Know the conditions after conception.: According to the March of Dines, older women are more likely to have premature births, miscarriages, stillbirths, placenta previa, etc. They may also have a tendency to bleed more after childbirth compared to younger women. Women in their 40s do not produce fresh eggs and the number of eggs in them is genetically decided when you are born. So the older it gets, the older the eggs. However, sometimes women after 40 can also have an uncomplicated delivery and it can also be easy.

Older women are likely to be comparatively more inactive than younger women in childrearing, infants, and toddlers. If you are mentally and physically prepared to deal with all of these conditions, you can go ahead and plan a pregnancy with the help of your doctor. It must be remembered that close monitoring is essential to have a safe pregnancy and a risk-free birth to be a mother. Keeping all these aspects under control will surely avoid a mishap and you will be able to have a healthy baby despite your age.