Pregnancy after 35

What is Geriatric Pregnancy and How Does It Work?

Geriatric pregnancy refers to having a baby after you turn 35. Healthy women are more likely to have healthy babies after they reach 35. This doesn’t mean that you should not think of smart ways to ensure your baby stays as healthy y as you can during your pregnancy .

Geriatric Pregnancy: Risks

No matter your age, problems can occur when you become pregnant. Some problems are more common after you turn 35.

• Preeclampsia, or dangerously high blood pressure, can cause organ damage and lead to preeclampsia.
• Gestational diabetes
• Stillbirth or miscarriage
• You need a C-section because of labor problems
• Premature birth
• Low birthweight
• Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders are common in babies.

Geriatric Pregnancy Benefits

However, it’s possible to do your baby and yourself a favor by waiting until you are older before you consider having children. These are the results of studies:

• Mothers who are older tend to have greater education and higher incomes than their younger counterparts.
• Mothers who are older live longer.
• Children of moms who are older may be healthier, better-adjusted and more educated.

What Can I Do to Have a Healthy Baby in a Pregnancy afer 35 years?

Counselling and preconception checks.These steps should be taken before you become pregnant if you are ready to have children. See your doctor, to make sure that you are ready for pregnancy, have a checkup.

Prenatal care is crucial for the development of your baby. Regular and early prenatal care will increase your chances of having safe and healthy pregnancy. Prenatal care includes screenings and regular exams, education about pregnancy and childbirth, counseling, and support.

Prenatal care provides additional protection for women older than 35. Allows your doctor to monitor health conditions that are more common in older women when they become pregnant. Your age can increase your chances of gestational diabetic or preeclampsia. This condition causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Prenatal visits will include a check of your blood pressure and a test of your urine for sugar and protein This allows them to catch problems and get them treated quickly.

Optional tests

Doctors may offer optional tests to women older than 35. These tests can determine if your baby may have a birth defect. You can discuss these tests with your doctor so that you are fully informed about the risks and benefits of each and you can decide which one is right for you.

Take daily prenatal vitamins.

Your baby’s brain, and spinal cord can be prevented by taking enough Folic Acid daily. Folic acid can be added to the protection of older mothers who are more susceptible to having babies with birth defects. Some prenatal vitamins contain 800-1,000 mg of folic acid. It is safe to consume during pregnancy. Some women may need more than 400 mg to prevent birth defects. Without consulting your doctor, don’t exceed 1,000 mg (1 milligrams) of Folic Acid. Women who have had a child with neural tube defects in their past need 4000 mg.

How Can I Lower My Risk for Pregnancy Problems after the age of 35?

Your baby deserves the same care as you. You can take care of your own health and prevent pregnancy-related diabetes or high blood pressure Your baby will benefit from your health being healthier.

You should keep up with your doctor appointments if you have a chronic condition such as diabetes and high bloodpressure. Your baby’s health and well-being will be maintained if you manage your condition before getting pregnant. Regular cleanings and exams by your dentist are also recommended. Healthy gums lowers the chances of preterm births and a low birth weight baby.

A healthy and balanced diet is essential. You will get all the nutrients that you need by eating a variety of food. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, lean meats, legumes, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains. At least four portions of dairy and other calcium rich foods should be consumed each day. This will help keep your bones and teeth healthy as your baby grows. Good food sources of folic acid include leafy greens, citrus fruits, liver and dried beans.

Weight Gain

Your doctor may recommend that you gain the weight you need. Women with a normal BMI should gain between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy. The doctor might suggest that you gain 15-25 lbs if you were obese prior to becoming pregnant. Obese Women should gain between 11 and 20 pounds. It is less likely that your baby will grow slowly if you gain the right weight. This also reduces the chance of your baby being born prematurely. It makes it less likely you will have pregnancy issues such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.

Exercising regularly helps alot in a pregnancy after 35.

Regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy pregnancy weight, increase your strength, and reduce stress. Make sure to discuss your exercise plan with your doctor. Your normal exercise routine will likely continue throughout pregnancy. The doctor will be able to help you determine if your exercise routine needs to change or scale back.

Stop drinking and smoking.

You shouldn’t smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol during pregnancy, just like all pregnant women. Your baby’s chance of developing mental or physical problems is increased if you drink alcohol. The likelihood of having a low-birthweight baby increases if you smoke, which is more common among older women. Preeclampsia can be prevented by not smoking.

Ask your doctor about medication. You can ask your doctor about safe dosages for pregnancy and breastfeeding. These include prescription and over-the counter medicines, supplements, as well as natural remedies.