Below are just a few of the factors to take into consideration:
- Miscarriage. As you age, you have a higher risk of miscarrying. In fact, your chance of miscarrying is about double at age 40 as it is at age 20. And it only gets worse from there. At age 45, your risk of miscarrying is about five times higher than it is at age 20.
- Birth defects. Older women are also more likely to deliver babies with birth defects. This is especially true if you’re over the age of 35. Some of the more common birth defects include heart defects, Down syndrome, and neural tube defects.
- Preterm labor. Older women are more likely to go into labor prematurely. This means that your baby will be born before he or she is fully developed. Premature babies are at risk for a number of health problems, including respiratory distress, jaundice, and feeding difficulties.
- Gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a unique form of diabetes which only occurs during pregnancy. It’s more common in older women, and it can lead to a number of complications, such as high blood pressure and premature labor.
- Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a medical condition that causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and can be very dangerous for both the mother and the baby. Preeclampsia is more common in older women, especially those over the age of 40.
- Placental abruption. A serious medical condition called placental abruption occurs when the placenta detachment from the uterine wall, depriving the baby of oxygen and nutrients. This can be very dangerous for both mother and baby and can even lead to death. Placental abruption is more common in older women, especially those over the age of 40.
- Stillbirth. The risk of stillbirth increases with age. Stillbirth is defined as any baby born after 20 weeks of gestation who dies before birth. The risk of stillbirth is about two times higher at age 40 than it is at age 20.
How do I learn more about navigating pregnancy in my later years?
If you are over the age of 40 and are considering conceiving a child, connect with our professionals at Columbus Women’s Care to understand the risks. Call 614-755-4200 to request an appointment at our Canal Winchester, OH, area facility.
