Getting pregnant after 35 may be more difficult than at age 25, but it’s not necessarily impossible. What are your chances for getting pregnant after age 35? Why is it more difficult than in your 20s and early 30s, and why do doctors recommend seeking help getting pregnant sooner than later if you’re past the age 35?
Rest assured, most healthy women who get pregnant after age 35 and even into their 40s have healthy babies. That doesn’t mean, though, that that you shouldn’t think about smart steps you can take to maximize your health and your baby’s health during pregnancy.
How Can I Increase My Chances of Having a Healthy Baby?
1. Remember: “Happy Mommy, Happy Baby”.
Besides all of the medical stuff that moms after the age of 35 go through, there is one thing to remember, you have a living, growing body inside of you and he/she feels what you feel. So, the first thing to remember is to remain stress free as much as possible. With any pregnancy, there will be a certain level of stress, but for the majority of your pregnancy, and even while you’re trying to get pregnant, try to remain upbeat, positive and happy. Studies have shown that those who do have babies that are less prone to wild tantrums, excessive crying and developmental issues. So give your baby the gift of a happy attitude even before he/she gets here.
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2. Getting early and regular prenatal care.
The first eight weeks of your pregnancy are very important to your baby’s development. Early and regular prenatal care can increase 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. It allows your doctor to stay ahead of health conditions that are more common in 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, your doctor will check your blood pressure, test your urine for protein and sugar, and test your blood glucose levels. That way, any potential problems can be caught and treated early.
3. Consider optional prenatal tests for women over 35.
Your doctor may offer you special prenatal tests that are particularly applicable for older moms. These tests help determine the risk of having a baby with a birth defect. Ask your doctor about these tests so you can learn the risks and benefits and decide what’s right for you.
4. Take prenatal vitamins.
All women of childbearing age should take a daily prenatal vitamin containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Getting enough folic acid every day before and during the first three months of pregnancy can help prevent birth defects involving a baby’s brain and spinal cord. Taking folic acid adds an important level of protection for older women, who have a higher risk of having a baby with birth defects.
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5. 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.
6. Keep up with other doctor appointments.
If you have a chronic health problem such as diabetes or…
