early-pregnancy.info

In Countries where couples are marrying at an older age, more and more women are getting pregnant only after 35. Is this safe for both mother and baby?

WHILE UNCOMPLICATED pregnancies and healthy bouncy babies are still possible for those women who conceive much later in life, there is certainly a higher risk of complications for this group of women as compared to their younger counterparts.

CAESAREAN

The risk of a first-time mother over 40 needing a Caesarean can be as high as 47 percent, as compared to a 14 percent possibility for a first-time mum in her 20s.

CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITIES

One of the greatest risks of being an older mum is that of chromosome abnormalities, such as Down’s Syndrome. The risk of the baby being born with this abnormality increases with the age of the mother.

Down’s Syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality that can cause mental retardation and heart defects.

In Singapore, it has been estimated hat 66 percent of Down’s Syndrome cases occurred in babies of women who were 35 years and older, 43 percent of the cases happened to babies of the oldest 6.5 percent of mothers (i.e. those aged 38 and above).

DIABETES AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Both the above conditions are more common in women in their 40s than in younger women. Both the conditions can complicate a pregnancy and increase the risk of pre-eclampsia, pre-term delivery, placental problems, stillbirth, or birth defects in the child.

Even if you don’t have any of the two pre-existing conditions, being older and pregnant does make you more likely to develop gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).

DIFFICULT LABOUR

First-time mothers over 35 years are more likely than women in their 20s to have difficulties in labour.

LOW BIRTH WEIGHT

Some studies suggest that women who delay childbearing until 35 years or older are at an increased risk of delivering a baby with low birth weight (less than 2.5kg) or premature born at less than 37 full weeks

of pregnancy). These risks rise modestly but progressively with a woman’s age, even if she doesn’t have any age-related chronic health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Next post: The benefits of late pregnancy and how to help yourself.

VITAMIN B6

What’s it good for?

Helps in the breakdown and use of protein.

Sources: eggs, meat, nuts, bananas and avocados.

VITAMIN B9 (FOLIC ACID)

What’s it good for?

1. Aids in development of baby’s major organs tissues and the central nervous system. Taking sufficient amounts of folic acid can halve the risk of spina bifida, anencephaly and related birth defects.
2. Prevents a premature birth, low birth weight and miscarriage.

Sources: multivitamin supplements, fortified bread and grain products (like cereal), chicken liver, legumes, spinach, fruits and fruit juices. Take at least 600 micrograms daily Supplements are more easily absorbed than that found in foods.

Works best when combined with Vitamins C and B12.

VITAMIN B2 (Riboflavin)

What’s it good for?

1. Releases energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates.
2. A deficiency can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia.
3. Required for utilisation of folic acid.
4. Helps the immune system.
5. Necessary for the maintenance of good vision, skin, hair and nails.

Sources: liver, milk, egg whites, almonds whole grains, wild rice, mushrooms, soybeans, milk and spinach.

CALCIUM

What’s it good for?

1. Vital for heart, muscle, nerve function, blood clotting and enzyme activity.
2. Prevents lead from being released from the bones.
3. For baby’s bone and teeth development.

Sources: milk, cheese, dark green leafy vegetables, dried peas, beans, sardines. Take about 1000 to 1200mg daily. Without Vitamin D, the body absorbs less than 10 percent of calcium. Salt, caffeine and liquor are linked to calcium depletion and poor calcium absorption.

ZINC

What’s it good for?

1. Prevents premature delivery.
2. Helps muscles contract, a deficiency can prolong labour.
3. Prevents miscarriages and growth retardation in the baby

Sources: meat, seafood, whole grains, dried beans and peas. Take about 15mg daily

CARBOHYDRATES

What’s it good for?

1. Provides energy.
2. Starch can ease morning sickness.

Sources: bread, sugar, cereals, pasta, rice, potatoes.