Having a child after 35
Pregnancy After Age 35
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
In this Article
- What Is Geriatric Pregnancy?
- Geriatric Pregnancy Risks
- Geriatric Pregnancy Benefits
- How Can I Increase My Chances of Having a Healthy Baby?
- How Can I Lower My Risk for Pregnancy Problems?
What Is Geriatric Pregnancy?
Geriatric pregnancy is a rarely used term for having a baby when you’re 35 or older. Rest assured, most healthy women who get pregnant after age 35 and even into their 40s have healthy babies. That doesn't mean you shouldn't think about smart ways to make sure you and your baby stay as healthy as possible during your pregnancy.
Geriatric Pregnancy Risks
Problems can arise no matter how old you are when you get pregnant. But some become more likely when you hit 35, including:
High blood pressure, which can lead to preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure and organ damage)
Gestational diabetes
Miscarriage or stillbirth
Labor problems that require you to have a C-section
Premature birth
Low birthweight
Chromosome disorders in the baby, like Down syndrome
Geriatric Pregnancy Benefits
On the other hand, there’s proof you might be doing yourself and your baby a favor by putting off childbearing until you’re older. Studies have shown:
Older moms tend to be better educated and have higher incomes, so they may have more resources than younger moms.
Older moms are more likely to live longer.
Children of older moms may end up healthier, more well-adjusted, and better educated.
How Can I Increase My Chances of Having a Healthy Baby?
Preconception checkups and counseling. When you decide you’re ready to have a baby, take these steps before you get pregnant.
See your doctor. Get a checkup to make sure you’re ready for pregnancy physically and emotionally.
Get early and regular prenatal care.The first 8 weeks of your pregnancy are important to your baby's development. Early and regular prenatal care can boost your chances of having a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Prenatal care includes screenings, regular exams, pregnancy and childbirth education, and counseling and support.
Getting prenatal care also provides extra protection for women over 35. It lets your doctor stay on top of health conditions that are more common among women who are older when they get pregnant. For instance, your age may increase your risk for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure along with protein in the urine. During prenatal visits, the doctor will check your blood pressure, test your urine for protein and sugar, and test your blood glucose levels. That lets them catch and treat problems early.
Consider optional tests for women over 35.The doctor may offer prenatal tests that are a good idea for older moms. They can help figure out if your baby is likely to have a birth defect. Ask your doctor about these tests so you can learn the risks and benefits and decide what's right for you.
Take prenatal vitamins. All women of childbearing age should take a daily prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Getting enough folic acid every day before and during the first 3 months of pregnancy can help prevent defects in your baby's brain and spinal cord. Taking folic acid adds extra protection for older women who are more likely to have babies with birth defects. Some prenatal vitamins have 800-1,000 mcg of folic acid. This is still safe in pregnancy. As a matter of fact, some women need more than 400 mcg to protect against birth defects. Don’t take more than 1,000 mcg (1 milligram) of folic acid without asking your doctor. Women with a history of a child with neural tube defects need 4000 mcg.
How Can I Lower My Risk for Pregnancy Problems?
You deserve the same TLC as your baby. Taking care of yourself will help you manage any existing health problems and protect you from pregnancy-related diabetes and high blood pressure.
And the healthier you are, the better it will be for your little one.
Keep up with other doctor appointments. If you have a chronic health problem such as diabetes or high blood pressure, don’t skip your regular doctor visits. Managing your condition before you get pregnant will keep both you and your baby healthy. See your dentist for regular exams and cleanings, too. Having healthy teeth and gums lowers your odds of preterm birth and of having a baby with a low birth weight.
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eating a variety of foods will help you get all the nutrients you need. Choose plenty of fruits and veggies, whole grains, beans, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. You should eat and drink at least four servings of dairy and other calcium-rich foods every day. That will keep your teeth and bones healthy while your baby grows. Include good food sources of folic acid, like leafy green vegetables, dried beans, liver, and some citrus fruits.
Gain the amount of weight your doctor suggests.
Women with a normal BMI should gain between 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. If you were overweight before getting pregnant, the doctor may suggest you gain 15-25 pounds. Obese women should gain about 11-20 pounds. Gaining the right amount of weight makes it less likely that your baby will grow slowly. It also lowers the risk of preterm birth. And it makes it less likely that you’ll have pregnancy problems like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
Exercise regularly. It’ll help you stay at a healthy pregnancy weight, keep your strength up, and ease stress. Just be sure you review your exercise program with your doctor. You'll most likely be able to continue your normal exercise routine throughout your pregnancy. But the doctor can help you figure out if you'll need to scale back or modify your routine.
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Like all pregnant women, you shouldn’t drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes during pregnancy. Alcohol raises your baby's risk for a wide range of mental and physical defects.
Smoking increases the chance that you’ll have a low birth-weight baby, which is more common in older women. Not smoking can also help prevent preeclampsia.
Ask your doctor about medications. They can tell you what meds are safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and natural remedies.
Health & Pregnancy Guide
- Getting Pregnant
- First Trimester
- Second Trimester
- Third Trimester
- Labor and Delivery
- Pregnancy Complications
- All Guide Topics
Pregnancy After Age 35
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
In this Article
- What Is Geriatric Pregnancy?
- Geriatric Pregnancy Risks
- Geriatric Pregnancy Benefits
- How Can I Increase My Chances of Having a Healthy Baby?
- How Can I Lower My Risk for Pregnancy Problems?
What Is Geriatric Pregnancy?
Geriatric pregnancy is a rarely used term for having a baby when you’re 35 or older.
Rest assured, most healthy women who get pregnant after age 35 and even into their 40s have healthy babies. That doesn't mean you shouldn't think about smart ways to make sure you and your baby stay as healthy as possible during your pregnancy.
Geriatric Pregnancy Risks
Problems can arise no matter how old you are when you get pregnant. But some become more likely when you hit 35, including:
High blood pressure, which can lead to preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure and organ damage)
Gestational diabetes
Miscarriage or stillbirth
Labor problems that require you to have a C-section
Premature birth
Low birthweight
Chromosome disorders in the baby, like Down syndrome
Geriatric Pregnancy Benefits
On the other hand, there’s proof you might be doing yourself and your baby a favor by putting off childbearing until you’re older.
Studies have shown:
Older moms tend to be better educated and have higher incomes, so they may have more resources than younger moms.
Older moms are more likely to live longer.
Children of older moms may end up healthier, more well-adjusted, and better educated.
How Can I Increase My Chances of Having a Healthy Baby?
Preconception checkups and counseling. When you decide you’re ready to have a baby, take these steps before you get pregnant.
See your doctor. Get a checkup to make sure you’re ready for pregnancy physically and emotionally.
Get early and regular prenatal care.The first 8 weeks of your pregnancy are important to your baby's development. Early and regular prenatal care can boost your chances of having a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Prenatal care includes screenings, regular exams, pregnancy and childbirth education, and counseling and support.
Getting prenatal care also provides extra protection for women over 35. It lets your doctor stay on top of health conditions that are more common among women who are older when they get pregnant. For instance, your age may increase your risk for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure along with protein in the urine. During prenatal visits, the doctor will check your blood pressure, test your urine for protein and sugar, and test your blood glucose levels. That lets them catch and treat problems early.
Consider optional tests for women over 35.The doctor may offer prenatal tests that are a good idea for older moms. They can help figure out if your baby is likely to have a birth defect. Ask your doctor about these tests so you can learn the risks and benefits and decide what's right for you.
Take prenatal vitamins. All women of childbearing age should take a daily prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Getting enough folic acid every day before and during the first 3 months of pregnancy can help prevent defects in your baby's brain and spinal cord. Taking folic acid adds extra protection for older women who are more likely to have babies with birth defects. Some prenatal vitamins have 800-1,000 mcg of folic acid. This is still safe in pregnancy. As a matter of fact, some women need more than 400 mcg to protect against birth defects. Don’t take more than 1,000 mcg (1 milligram) of folic acid without asking your doctor. Women with a history of a child with neural tube defects need 4000 mcg.
How Can I Lower My Risk for Pregnancy Problems?
You deserve the same TLC as your baby. Taking care of yourself will help you manage any existing health problems and protect you from pregnancy-related diabetes and high blood pressure.
And the healthier you are, the better it will be for your little one.
Keep up with other doctor appointments. If you have a chronic health problem such as diabetes or high blood pressure, don’t skip your regular doctor visits. Managing your condition before you get pregnant will keep both you and your baby healthy. See your dentist for regular exams and cleanings, too. Having healthy teeth and gums lowers your odds of preterm birth and of having a baby with a low birth weight.
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eating a variety of foods will help you get all the nutrients you need. Choose plenty of fruits and veggies, whole grains, beans, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. You should eat and drink at least four servings of dairy and other calcium-rich foods every day. That will keep your teeth and bones healthy while your baby grows. Include good food sources of folic acid, like leafy green vegetables, dried beans, liver, and some citrus fruits.
Gain the amount of weight your doctor suggests.
Women with a normal BMI should gain between 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. If you were overweight before getting pregnant, the doctor may suggest you gain 15-25 pounds. Obese women should gain about 11-20 pounds. Gaining the right amount of weight makes it less likely that your baby will grow slowly. It also lowers the risk of preterm birth. And it makes it less likely that you’ll have pregnancy problems like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
Exercise regularly. It’ll help you stay at a healthy pregnancy weight, keep your strength up, and ease stress. Just be sure you review your exercise program with your doctor. You'll most likely be able to continue your normal exercise routine throughout your pregnancy. But the doctor can help you figure out if you'll need to scale back or modify your routine.
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Like all pregnant women, you shouldn’t drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes during pregnancy. Alcohol raises your baby's risk for a wide range of mental and physical defects.
Smoking increases the chance that you’ll have a low birth-weight baby, which is more common in older women. Not smoking can also help prevent preeclampsia.
Ask your doctor about medications. They can tell you what meds are safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and natural remedies.
Health & Pregnancy Guide
- Getting Pregnant
- First Trimester
- Second Trimester
- Third Trimester
- Labor and Delivery
- Pregnancy Complications
- All Guide Topics
Pregnancy after 35 years: how to properly prepare?
In today's world, pregnancy after the age of 35 is regarded as a common situation and is becoming more common every year. This is due to the fact that women first build a career and only then think about the birth of their first child.
A second child after 35 years is also common, often in families the oldest child has already reached adolescence when he has a brother or sister. Every woman needs to know about the features, possible risks, planning and proper preparation for pregnancy after 35 years. nine0003
What are the difficulties of pregnancy after 35?
Fertility (ability to bear children) is an indicator that gradually decreases with age. Usually, fertility begins to decline after 30-32 years, depending on the characteristics of the woman's body. However, this does not mean that after 30-35 years, a physiological first pregnancy without any complications is impossible.
Average dependence of fertility on the woman's age
| Age | Probability of conception during the year |
| 25 years old | 87. |
| 30 years old | 83.9% |
| 35 years old | 73.3% nine0022 |
| 40 years old | 49.4% |
5%
After the age of 35, a woman may have difficulty conceiving. It is important to remember that the age of a man also affects the likelihood of conception and intrauterine development of the fetus. Therefore, if any problems arise, both partners need to undergo a comprehensive medical examination.
If healthy men and women over 35 years of age have regular intercourse without the use of contraception, the chances of conception within 12 months remain quite high. nine0012
How to properly prepare?
Proper preparation is the key to a happy and healthy pregnancy after 35. Women at this age are already balanced about procreation, and some are planning to give birth to a second or third child.
Preparing for the upcoming pregnancy is necessary for both a woman and a man.
How to prepare for pregnancy after 35 years:
- Lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits. A balanced diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol - all this is necessary for the body to restore its internal resources and be ready for gestation and childbirth. nine0092
- Take folic acid 3 months (there are contraindications, you should consult your doctor) before the expected pregnancy. This substance is necessary for the normal formation of the fetal nervous system, and additional intake is especially important for women over 35 years of age.
- Find a qualified gynecologist or reproductologist (this is a doctor who deals specifically with the issues of conception and gestation) with experience in managing pregnant women over 35 years old. It is important that the doctor understands the possible risks of such a pregnancy, but at the same time does not exaggerate and does everything possible for the natural course of pregnancy and childbirth.
He will help in planning pregnancy, conduct an examination, prescribe a competent treatment for existing gynecological diseases. nine0092 - Undergo a general physical examination. Every woman planning childbirth after 35 should consult a therapist, take a general and biochemical blood test, a general urinalysis, as well as examine the mammary glands and check thyroid hormones.
- Screen for sexually transmitted infections. Many infections have a chronic course and practically do not manifest themselves in any way, but they can prevent the conception and bearing of a child. Both partners should be screened for such infections. It is also advisable to be examined for viral hepatitis and to know your HIV status. nine0092
- Visit genetics. After 30 years, the risk of various chromosomal abnormalities and genetic defects in the fetus increases. Therefore, the couple should always consult with a geneticist, if necessary, take tests.
A positive attitude and a stable psycho-emotional state of future parents are very important, therefore, in some cases (especially if there are problems with conception), a couple is recommended to work with a psychologist.
What are the possible risks? nine0005
With age, each person develops various chronic diseases, as well as the endurance and ability of the body to recover.
The hormonal background also changes after 35 years of age, which carries certain risks:
- Women who become pregnant after 35 years of age increase the risk of a negative effect of pregnancy on the cardiovascular system. This is manifested by an increase in blood pressure, a deterioration in the condition of the walls of blood vessels (in women who gave birth after 40 years, the risk of strokes in the future increased). nine0092
- Increased risk of preterm birth, spontaneous abortion and fetal death. It is important to have regular check-ups and if you have any concerns, see a doctor right away.
- Increased risk of developing gestational diabetes. During pregnancy, it is advisable to limit the intake of added sugar and switch to a predominantly plant-protein diet.
- Increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in a child. After the age of 35, the chances of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome and other genetic abnormalities are higher, since the genetic material of the mother and father accumulates mutations with age. nine0092
Although these risks exist, with the right approach, pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child after 35 years of age is confirmed by many women and doctors.
Reviews of doctors and patients about pregnancy after 35
The fact that childbirth and pregnancy after 35 is far from always a difficult test is confirmed by numerous reviews:
It's never too late to become a mother." nine0132 Irina, 37 years old
"Pregnancy with my second son after 35 years was more difficult for me than the first. But the child was born healthy, and I recovered fairly quickly after childbirth." Anna, 36 years old
"I always treat pregnancy after 35 with great attention, patients undergo all the necessary screenings.
When it is clear that natural childbirth will not work, then we perform a caesarean section." Irina Ivanovna, obstetrician-gynecologist
"Natural childbirth after the age of 35 is quite possible, but it is important that the woman and the doctor are well prepared for this. Of course, we do not recommend it for complicated pregnancy." Elena Valerievna, obstetrician-gynecologist
Video
Pregnancy after 35 years must be approached with all responsibility and properly prepared for it. According to reviews about childbirth after 35, the chances of having a healthy baby are quite high. Following the recommendations of your doctor and being aware of all the risks will help you survive this period without unnecessary discomfort. nine0003
how to prepare, risks, pros and cons
Changed rhythm of life, study, obtaining several higher educations, career growth, the need to solve housing and material problems make us postpone the birth of children until a later age, so pregnancy after 35 years is no longer a rarity .
Our experts talk about the advantages of this approach. And there are a lot of them!
Website editor
Tags:
age nine0003
Motherhood
vitamins
Gadgets
Pregnancy
Seasons/Fotodom
Narine Stepanovna Avanesyan
Candidate of Medical Sciences, obstetrician-gynecologist at Atlas Medical Center
or absence of comorbidities. When they are detected, it is very important to choose the right treatment and, if possible, get rid of them, in extreme cases, smooth out the existing changes. The fewer health problems a future mother has, the greater the chances of a successful pregnancy after 35 years and a successful birth. nine0003
Pregnancy, childbirth after the age of 35 is a strong burden for the body, which can provoke an exacerbation of any inactive disease.
For example, after the age of 33-36, many women have an increased risk of developing diabetes. Also, with age, the number of endocrine diseases increases, there is an insufficient production of hormones necessary for a healthy pregnancy, the number of somatic pathologies increases - more than one woman after 35 is faced with all this. Pregnancy can be more difficult to endure, all these unfavorable factors greatly complicate the bearing of the fetus and further childbirth. However, married couples after 30 years of age, as a rule, consciously approach the birth of children, undergo a complete examination and, accordingly, at the time of pregnancy, they know more about their health. nine0003
A successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby require thoughtful attitude from both partners. Half of the success in conception depends on the man, so joint preparation is an important and responsible process, which is recommended to start at least 3-4 months before the intended conception.
Modern medicine makes it possible to comprehensively prepare for pregnancy and childbearing, to carry out preventive measures aimed at preventing possible complications. Doctors track pregnancy week by week. Feelings of a woman after 35 while carrying a baby may not always be pleasant, and, indeed, there is evidence that after 35-38 years the risk of fetal chromosomal pathology increases significantly. However, today there are various methods that at different stages reveal the pathology of the fetus and thus allow timely taking appropriate measures and taking the condition of the expectant mother under maximum control. nine0003
Pregnancy after 35 years: what kind of genetic testing should be done at the stage of planning a child
Planning for pregnancy after 35 years of age suggests the possibility of undergoing genetic testing with subsequent consultation with a geneticist. A genetic test will show the carrier status of monogenic diseases: there is nothing dangerous in the carrier itself, but if both parents are carriers of the same disease, the risk of having a child with this pathology increases to 25% (the most common hereditary diseases include myopia, color blindness and hemophilia) .
The geneticist will take a thorough medical history, be sure to clarify whether someone in the family had aggravated heredity or whether children were born with congenital diseases on one side or the other, and based on the results, he will make a prognosis and give recommendations on optimizing the lifestyle for future parents. nine0003
Preparation for pregnancy after 35: we make extended check-ups at the planning stage
Currently, many clinics offer services for the joint preparation of a couple for the conception of a child, further management of pregnancy and preparation for childbirth. A comprehensive examination and good tests will give you confidence in your health. Pregnancy after 35 in this case will be calmer. Preparation is also important if this is the first pregnancy after 35, and the second pregnancy after 35, and the 3rd pregnancy after 35 years. Each subsequent birth does not depend on how the previous ones proceeded, because each child has its own set of genes and its own unique physiological characteristics.
nine0003
Awareness will allow you to take timely measures and prevent the development of diseases, and will help you prepare responsibly for the new status of parents. A comprehensive checkup may include:
- detailed recommendations on lifestyle optimization and preparation for pregnancy after 35;
- tests: clinical and biochemical blood tests, urinalysis, tumor markers, STD tests, gynecological tests for women and spermogram for men; nine0092
- examinations: electrocardiography, ultrasound of the main vessels and internal organs;
- consultations of a therapist, ENT, ophthalmologist, gynecologist, urologist and neurologist.
Pregnancy after 35: early non-invasive prenatal test tells about possible problems
Non-invasive prenatal test allows you to find out early about possible deviations in pregnancy after 35 years. Starting from the 9th week of pregnancy, he can identify pathologies such as Down syndrome, Patau or Edwards syndrome, as well as determine the sex of the unborn child.
For NIPT, which can be done during IVF, ICSI, surrogacy and pregnancy using donor eggs, it is enough to take 10 ml of a woman's venous blood. Within 8 days after donating blood, the laboratory will extract the child's DNA and analyze it, and the accuracy of the study will be more than 9nine%.
Pregnancy after 35: risks will help prevent screening ultrasounds and additional examinations
The development of medical equipment, in particular devices for ultrasound examination, makes it possible to identify deviations, determine malformations and provide timely assistance. During pregnancy, several screening ultrasounds are done. The first - at 12-13 weeks, the second - at 19-21, the third - at 30-32 weeks, these are three global screening studies that are mandatory. Additional studies such as hemostasiogram, biochemistry, ECG, smears for flora, cultures and TORCH infections during pregnancy after 35 years of age can be prescribed by the attending physician as needed on an individual basis.
nine0003
Individual nutrition programs will reduce the risks of pregnancy after 35
provide her body with the necessary substances and allow a successful pregnancy after 35 years. A special nutrition plan can be drawn up for the period of breastfeeding: it will be aimed at helping to restore the body after childbirth and providing the baby with a maximum of useful substances for healthy development. nine0003
How to prepare for pregnancy after 35: practical recommendations for expectant mothers
- Consult a therapist and gynecologist who will tell you about all the nuances of pregnancy and childbirth after 35 years.
- Normalize nutrition. When preparing for pregnancy after 35 years, you need to eat fully. Forced starvation due to diets is stressful for the body, and with stress, the reproductive system is not a priority.
- Avoid excessive exercise.
Supportive sports are not capable of causing problems with conception, gestation and childbirth, but it is better to refuse heavy physical activity. - Any medications during pregnancy after 35 should be taken only after the doctor's approval.
- When preparing for pregnancy after 35 years, 2-3 months before the intended conception, you need to stop using oral contraceptives and remove the intrauterine device, if any. nine0092
- A woman and her partner in preparation for pregnancy after 35 need to be cured of existing sexually transmitted infections.
- Before conception, it is recommended to visit a dentist and undergo treatment, if necessary. A visit to the dentist is necessary to find out the state of the oral cavity and exclude foci of chronic infection, since during pregnancy after 35 years the woman's body gives off a lot of strength, and foci of infection are a direct risk of exacerbation of diseases or complications. A similar recommendation applies to the ENT doctor.
nine0092 - Following a healthy lifestyle. In addition to a balanced diet, it includes regular moderate outdoor activity and adequate sleep. Both pregnancy and childbirth after 35 will go smoothly.
Hussein Haytham Mahmud
urologist at the Atlas Medical Center
Planning for pregnancy after 35 years: practical recommendations for future fathers
- Regular sex life. Daily ejaculation improves sperm quality, reduces DNA fragmentation. All this increases the chances of conception when planning a pregnancy after 35 years. nine0092
- Do not use lubricants. Various lotions and gels can reduce sperm motility, which is important to consider when planning a pregnancy after 35 years.
- Healthy diet. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. When planning a pregnancy after the age of 35, it is important for a future father to maintain a stable body weight within normal limits, since overweight reduces the number and motility of spermatozoa (plus 10 kg - minus 10%).
