What are the risks of pregnancy after 35?
February 13, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Marie Czakaj
Dear Doctor,
My name is Andrea Reuter and I am 38 years old. In recent months, I have been thinking about whether a pregnancy would still be possible and safe for me. I have heard that with increasing age, there are more risks for a woman to become pregnant, especially after the age of 35.
I am worried about potential complications during pregnancy and childbirth. I wonder if my chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby decrease with age. I am also concerned that my baby may have a higher risk of genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities.
I know that as an older mother, I may be at a higher risk for gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preterm birth, and other complications. I would like to learn more about these risks and what preventive measures I can take to minimize the risk.
Could you please explain in detail what the risks of pregnancy after 35 are and how I can best prepare for it? Are there any specific tests or examinations that I should undergo? What health aspects should I consider when deciding to become pregnant?
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Best regards,
Andrea Reuter
Dear Andrea Reuter,
Thank you for your question and your interest in this important topic. It is understandable that you have concerns about a possible pregnancy, especially since you are already 38 years old. In fact, there are some risks associated with pregnancy at an advanced age that I would like to explain further.
One of the main risks that older women face when becoming pregnant is the increased likelihood of genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities in the baby. As women age, the risk of Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and other genetic anomalies also increases. Therefore, women over 35 are often advised to undergo prenatal testing before pregnancy to detect possible genetic problems early on.
Furthermore, older mothers have a higher risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preterm birth, and other complications during pregnancy. These health issues need to be carefully monitored and treated to ensure the health of both mother and child. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are therefore particularly important.
There are also special tests and screenings that you should consider if you decide to become pregnant. These include prenatal screenings such as the triple test or NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing), which are used to detect possible genetic disorders in the baby early on. Your doctor can help you choose the right tests for your individual situation.
To minimize the risk of complications during pregnancy, it is important to prepare well for a possible pregnancy. This includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, abstaining from alcohol and smoking, as well as taking folic acid and other important nutrients.
It is also advisable to undergo a comprehensive medical examination before pregnancy to ensure that you are physically fit for pregnancy. Your doctor can help you identify any potential risk factors early on and take appropriate measures.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that a pregnancy after the age of 35 is definitely possible, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions. Therefore, be sure to talk to your gynecologist about your plans and seek individual advice.
I hope that I have been able to help you with this information. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Warm regards,
Marie Czakaj
