early-pregnancy.info

MISCARRIAGES

The rate of miscarrying during pregnancy is significantly greater for older women than younger ones. Studies show an estimated risk of miscarriage at 12 to 15 percent for women in their 20s and this increases to about 25 percent by the time the woman is 40.

MULTIPLE BIRTHS

The possibility of having twins or triplets increase with age, even without fertility treatment.

However, do bear in mind the health risks a multiple pregnancy can pose to you and the babies.

PLACENTAL PROBLEMS

Placenta previa is a condition whereby the placenta covers part or all of the opening of the cervix. It can cause severe I bleeding during delivery and can endanger mother and baby during birth. A  Caesarean is usually done if complications like this develops.

Compared to a woman in her 20’s, a first-time mother in her 40’s is eight times more likely to suffer from placenta previa.

HELPING YOURSELF

If you do really get pregnant in your 30’s or 40’s, here is what you can do to improve the health odds for you and your baby:

<!–[if !supportLists]–>-          <!–[endif]–>Control existing health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>-          <!–[endif]–>If you are overweight, lose the excess weight. Overweight pregnant women are more likely to develop health problems.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>-          <!–[endif]–>Take vitamins containing folic acid before gethgpregnant. This can help prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida, a condition in which the tissue over the baby’s spinal cord doesn’t close.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>-          <!–[endif]–>Read up and educate yourself about your health risks and the diagnostic tests you want to have to detect chromosome abnormalities.

THE BENEFITS OF WAITING

Although a late pregnancy can put you at a higher risk for a number of health complications, there is a flip side to it as well. As an older mum, you may be more mature, realistic and dedicated to the idea of having a child, as compared to a young mother in her 20s. You will also be likely

to be more financially secure to provide for the child. And finally, you would probably have given a lot more thought to having a baby and the changes that come with this new addition to the family.

Hence you will probably be better prepared to become a mother.

Tags: benefits, miscarriages, multiple births, placental problems, pregnant over 35

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 25th, 2008 at 2:42 pm and is filed under I think I'm Pregnant.
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