babytalk
Healthy Pregnancy After Age 35
Today, the average age of mothers giving birth for the first time in the United States has increased from generations to past to slightly older than 26 years. More women over the age of 35 are also giving birth for the first time.
Becoming a mother at an older age can have certain advantages: Older first-time mothers tend to have achieved higher levels of education and often have more resources to care for their children than the youngest mothers. However, pregnant women who are older than 35 may also face an increased risk for certain conditions that may endanger their health or the health of their developing babies. Fortunately, most women who become pregnant after age 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. Receiving proper prenatal care can increase a woman’s chances of having a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.
Childbirth Graphics has a wide variety of pregnancy education resources to help expectant mothers of all ages understand the importance of avoiding pregnancy hazards hazards and getting proper prenatal care to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. Read on to learn more about pregnancy after age 35 and discover just a few of our innovative pregnancy teaching materials that encourage prenatal care.
Increased Risks in Pregnant Women After Age 35
Being pregnant after age 35 may increase the risk for a variety of complications, including:
Our Understanding Gestational Diabetes Tear Pad is a great
handout to explain the importance of managing gestational diabetes.
Our Prenatal Care Booklet emphasizes preconception
care to help reduce the risk of birth defects.
- Gestational diabetes and/or gestational hypertension—Both gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension can develop during pregnancy. Whether they develop during pregnancy or are pre-existing conditions, diabetes and hypertension can cause serious problems for a pregnant woman and her baby.
handout to explain the importance of managing gestational diabetes.
- Placental problems—Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the unterine lining, cutting off oxygen flow to the baby. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers all or part of the cervix, blocking the baby’s exit.
- Miscarriage or stillbirth—Fetal death that occurs during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is called a miscarriage; after that time, it is called stillbirth.
- Chromosomal abnormalities—As a woman ages, so do her eggs, increasing the risk for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.
- Premature birth—Babies who are born before 37 full weeks of pregnancy are more likely than full-term infants to develop serious health problems.
care to help reduce the risk of birth defects.
- Low birthweight—Low-birthweight babies weigh less than 5½ pounds (2,500 grams) when born and may face serious health issues.
- Cesarean delivery—Because of an increased risk of pregnancy-related complications, older mothers are more likely to need to deliver by cesarean.
- Multiple pregnancy—The likelihood of having a multiple pregnancy increases with age. Some fertility treatments also increase the risk of multiple pregnancy.
Protecting Mother and Baby
No matter a woman’s age, she can take steps to protect herself and her baby during pregnancy.
Recently updated, our With Child Large-Size-Spiral-Bound Charts cover
a full range of childbearing topics, including preconception planning.
Our Hazards During Pregnancy Folding Display
discusses substances to avoid during Pregnancy.
- Receive proper prenatal care: Prenatal visits allow a healthcare professional to provide a mother and her developing baby with the best possible care, such as testing for gestational diabetes and monitoring conditions.
- Get treated for existing medical conditions.
a full range of childbearing topics, including preconception planning.
- Make healthy food choices: Healthy steps a pregnant woman can take include avoiding excess calories, fat, sugar, and sodium; getting adequate amounts of protein, calcium, iron, folic acid, zinc, and water; and avoiding certain foods that may contain harmful substances, such as the mercury in some types of fish.
- Avoid harmful substances, including all alcohol, tobacco products, and illegal drugs, as well as exposure to toxic substances. A pregnant woman should talk with her healthcare professional about any supplements or over-the-counter and prescription drugs she is taking.
discusses substances to avoid during Pregnancy.
- Follow your healthcare professional’s advice about the right amount of physical activity and weight gain for you.
Medical History and Prenatal Testing
A pregnant woman should talk to her healthcare professional about her pregnancy history as well as her partner’s medical history and family medical histories. Screening or diagnostic tests may be recommended based on medical histories.
Remember: Pregnancy is an exciting time as parents await the birth of their baby. Working closely with a healthcare professional and receiving proper prenatal care throughout pregnancy help provide a baby with the best possible start in life.
Find More Great Educational Materials
Whether promoting healthy habits during pregnancy or highlighting the importance of prenatal care, Childbirth Graphics has a wide range of teaching tools to fit every childbirth education goal. Find more great materials in our product sections dedicated to pregnancy and pregnancy hazards.
The information contained in this article is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
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