Darrick Robles More and more women decide to wait until later in life to start a family. The average age of first-time mothers in Europe today is between 29 and 30 years. Many worry about the ideal age to have a baby and the consequences of late pregnancy.
dr Elisabeth Rosen admits: It is good to be aware of all the risks and to know how to avoid them. But she also points out that focusing too much on possible problems only makes us worry.
“There is already a multitude of fears and worries about pregnancy and childbirth. In fact, if you’re generally healthy, your chances of an uncomplicated pregnancy and a healthy baby are good,” she says. Nevertheless, doubts are quite normal. “No woman ever feels 100% ready to become a mother.”
What happens to the body and fertility in old age?
“The ovaries are formed in the embryonic stage and we are born with a certain number of eggs,” explains Dr. roses. “These eggs then remain dormant until puberty. After that, they are used until the memory is empty, to put it simply.
The quality of the oocytes decreases over time. However, the individual extent of this development varies greatly from woman to woman. Some women can conceive easily in their 40s, while others are struggling as early as their 30s. But in general, around age 35, fertility declines quite drastically. “
What are the risks of getting pregnant after the age of 35?
“The risk of developing high blood pressure or diabetes increases with age. Pregnancy can further increase this risk,” says Dr. roses.
“There are also studies that show that the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, chromosomal abnormalities, and stillbirth increases with age.” Your doctor will check you for high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, and in most cases these can Diseases are recognized and successfully treated or controlled.
As you weigh your options, you should also consider these risks. As you get older, the likelihood that you will need an egg donation for successful artificial insemination also increases. This in turn increases the risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia (pregnancy poisoning).
When labor starts, you may need a little more support. Studies show that the risk of complications increases slightly with age , explains Dr. roses. “These complications may also include a slightly increased risk of tears as body tissue loses elasticity with age. It also increases the likelihood that labor will have to be induced artificially or that a cesarean section or other intervention will be required.”
How do I deal with the increased risk?
Many women trying to conceive are concerned about the increased risk of miscarriage and chromosomal aberrations (genetic abnormalities). It can be reassuring to know that while the risk of miscarriage increases after the age of 30, it starts at a very low level of around 10% for mothers between the ages of 25 and 29.
“The increased risk of miscarriage is a consequence of the lower egg cell quality ,” explains Dr. roses. “Chromosome aberrations are also related to this.” With a chromosome analysis during pregnancy, your gynecologist can examine whether the unborn child is at risk of a chromosomal abnormality. These so-called prenatal tests are routinely offered to pregnant women over the age of 35.
Think about what a possible high-risk result would mean for you before having these tests done. If you are unsure about which tests you should have, talk to your doctor.
Are there any advantages to having a baby later? How do I know when I’m ready?
More and more people decide not to start a family until after their 30th birthday. The training will be completed later, and you will also have your first permanent job later. In addition, many women only get to know a suitable partner late in life. The advantage of having children late is the financial security and emotional stability that parents can give their offspring. Some studies suggest that children often do better. However, if you wait for everything to be perfect, you may never feel ready.
“Fertility peaks around age 25. However, there is no optimal age to have a baby.” If you are with someone you want to have children with, you should not put off having children for too long for fertility reasons. If you are unsure, you should talk to your doctor about your options.
What can I do after 35 to increase my chances of conceiving?
” Quit smoking , reduce your alcohol consumption , exercise and eat a balanced diet ,” says Dr. roses. “High levels of caffeine lower the chances of getting pregnant and may increase the risk of miscarriage. You should also avoid stress and just take good care of yourself.”
If you’re hoping to conceive, it’s a good idea to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily —before conception and throughout the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This helps reduce the risk of developmental disabilities in the first few weeks.
“If you’re overweight, losing weight can increase your chances of conceiving and minimize the risks if you do get pregnant,” explains Dr. roses. “If necessary, you should have a medical examination to ensure that you are generally in good health. Get your thyroid function checked. Being underactive or overactive can adversely affect your chances of getting pregnant — and these conditions are treatable.”
What can I do if I just can’t get pregnant?
“The treatment options your doctor will recommend will depend on the cause of your reduced fertility,” says Dr. roses. She adds that various factors can contribute to problems conceiving: from irregular ovulation to sperm quality to difficulty having sex .
Conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are other common causes , and eating disorders can also play a role. “Sometimes just helping the sperm get into the uterus is enough. At other times we may have to resort to artificial insemination,” says Dr. roses. “Sometimes we need to strengthen the lining of the uterus to hold a fertilized egg.”
“In about 70% of infertility cases, we manage to find the cause. There are a number of different factors that can affect treatment success, but most women who want a baby end up having it.”
The treatments available to you depend on where you live. Your doctor or gynecologist will be happy to advise you on your options.
How can I optimally support my body and my baby after I have become pregnant?
“Exercise, eat healthily and keep taking folic acid – but if you forget, don’t worry. Most women get everything they need through their diet ,” says Dr. roses.
Many women worry about the effects of exercise, but research has shown that regular, moderate exercise is safe and may even reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
“There are lists of things not to do or eat, and it’s good to know about them. But what’s more important is that you focus on taking good care of yourself,” says Dr. roses.
