antioxidant capacity was 69% accurate, according to findings recently published in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.
Other factors that contribute to pregnancy risks include:
1. First pregnancy
The researchers also showed that the rate of serious problems in mothers who had previous successful pregnancies was half that of women who were pregnant for the first time.
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2. Smoking
In addition, researchers found that women over 35 who smoked had four times the risk of serious pregnancy problems compared to nonsmokers. Ex-smokers had double the risk.
Heazell says considering the placental biomarkers along with demographic information and variables known to affect risk offer a better way of predicting an older woman’s odds of an adverse pregnancy outcome.
“However, larger studies are required to see if these markers can be developed into an individual predictive model,” he says.
Despite the risks, most women over 35 can have a successful and healthy pregnancy and birth with few complications. If you have concerns about your risk factors, discuss them with your doctor. They may be able to help you come up with solutions to ensure you have a safe pregnancy.