If you are 35 years of age or older and want to get pregnant, then your age should not stop you from trying to get pregnant. Life happens in different ways and our schedules will vary. Pregnancy after 35 is common, but here’s what you need to know.
If you’re over 35 and trying to conceive, you’re in good company. Pregnancy after 35 is common, as many women delay pregnancy until their 30s and beyond. And giving birth to healthy babies!
Did you know that the CDC released a report that found that more women in their thirties are having babies than women in their twenties? This just shows how times have changed.
What is pregnancy after 35 called?
Being pregnant over the age of 35 is associated with some medical conditions. It may be referred to as ‘advanced maternal age’.
Is 35 considered advanced maternal age?
Advanced maternal age is another term used for a woman who has a baby at age 35 or older.
Is pregnancy after 35 considered high risk?
Pregnancy at 35 and over is considered a “high risk” pregnancy. Why; Because overall pregnancy-related complications are higher than women in their late 30s.
But a high-risk pregnancy doesn’t immediately mean your risk is high. In fact, your risk is still relatively low, especially if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is why being ‘PregActive’ is so important.
Getting fit and healthy before pregnancy will help ensure you enjoy a more empowering pregnancy, and staying healthy throughout your pregnancy will better prepare you for labor and encourage a faster postpartum recovery .
Is 36 too old to have a baby?
No, absolutely not. There are many women aged 36 and over who have multiple pregnancies and give birth to beautiful healthy babies.
In recent generations, many women have been advancing their careers, which has become a primary focus for some. Some of us waited longer to decide to have children.
Have a lot of questions?
When I google you know what I found?
I found many common questions asked by women over 30 to have a baby and if they can.
Or what increased risks they face.
For example, here are some of the most common questions asked:
1. Is 37 too old to get pregnant?
2. Is 37 a high risk pregnancy?
3. Is having a baby at 37 too old?
4. Can I have a healthy baby at 39?
5. Is it okay to be pregnant at 37?
6. Can a woman get pregnant at 37?
Does any of this sound familiar?
You are not alone in having many questions that you want answered.
My experience
With over fifteen years of working with pregnant women in providing prenatal exercise classes and helping women live a healthier life. I know the importance of being healthy when trying to get pregnant.
Many of these questions are normal. And the answer to most questions is that you can get pregnant over 35 and enjoy a healthy pregnancy along with the delivery of healthy babies.
Through PregActive, my studio classes, my online programs and prenatal workout videos; I have helped hundreds of thousands of women enjoy a healthy pregnancy. And now I want to help you.
Your health and well-being matter when you’re pregnant.
Are you over 35 and trying to conceive?
If you’re over 35 and trying to conceive, the first thing you should do is book an appointment with your doctor. Your age has such a small role in the health of your pregnancy.
However, it’s still important to know your risks and take steps to improve them, which is what this post is about. This means doing everything within your control to be fit and healthy to carry a baby.
What you should do before pregnancy
Yes, it can take longer to get pregnant as you get older. You are born with all the eggs you will ever have. By the time you reach your 30s, you have fewer eggs. The eggs you have left are older and not of the same quality as the newer eggs. This can make it difficult to fertilize them.
But if you are in good health, then you will increase your chances of getting pregnant and having healthy babies. What you do now is important when it comes to your health.
What to do before pregnancy
1. See your doctor for a check-up.
You should focus on being as healthy as you can before you get pregnant. Talk to your doctor about any vaccines you need as well as your health history.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor
1. Why does age put me at increased risk of complications?
2. How old is too old to have a baby?
3. What increased risks will I have if I take it? pregnant after 35?
4. Should I have additional tests to measure my risk of complications?
5. What can I do to reduce the risks of complications such as premature birth?
6. If the test shows that my baby has an increased risk of a chromosomal abnormality, what should I do?
2. Get treatment for current health problems.
If you have any current health conditions that are of concern, make sure they are treated. This includes physical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
3. Reduce stress.
Stress can have negative effects on your body. Learn stress management skills before you get pregnant so stress doesn’t affect your baby. Your mental health is important.
4. Check your medications.
Tell your doctor about every medicine you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Some are not safe to take during pregnancy.
5. Take folic acid.
Folic acid is a vitamin that helps in growth and development. You should get the RDA of folic acid as it can help prevent birth defects in your baby.
6. Maintain a healthy weight.
If you are overweight or underweight, you are more likely to have health problems during pregnancy. Try to get to a healthy weight and maintain it before you get pregnant.
What are the risks of having a baby after the age of 35?
Your eggs
As we age, the risk of abnormalities in our eggs increases. Along with abnormal eggs, here are some of the published risks of a geriatric pregnancy:
1. Abortion
Your eggs are more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities, the older you are, the more likely you are to miscarry.
2. Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a special condition of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and excessive amounts of protein in your urine, which is a sign that certain organs such as the kidneys and liver are not working properly. This condition requires medical attention.
3. Gestational Diabetes
The risk of gestational diabetes increases as you get older. Women under 35 have about a 3% chance of developing, women 35-39 have a 5.3% chance, and women over 40 have about an 8% chance of developing gestational diabetes.
Other risks of advanced maternal age during pregnancy include:
1. Emergency C-sections
2. High blood pressure
3. Fertility problems
4. Early Childbirth
5. Low birth weight
6. Chromosomal abnormalities
Benefits of having a baby over 35
It is important to be aware of the increased risks, but if you participate in a healthy lifestyle, attend regular check-ups and pregnancy screening, then you should not worry too much.
At PregActive, our mission is to take care of you. Through our online program and weekly workouts, we aim to keep you fit and healthy as you progress through each week of your pregnancy.
Another important factor to ensure everything goes smoothly, you should work closely with your doctor and listen to their medical advice.
So while the risks may seem a little overwhelming, there are some benefits.
Pregnancy after 35 – Benefits of having a baby when older
Women over 35 who are trying to conceive are also more committed to being healthy for their baby.
Becoming a mother after 35 means you’ve had some time to mature, develop patience, and get a better idea of what you want in life.
Most women in their 35s have stable jobs, stronger educations, and more general resources to care for their children.
Many women will prioritize their health because they have been given this stigma of being too old for a healthy pregnancy.
Tips for a healthy pregnancy after 35
Are there unique tips for a healthy pregnancy for women over 35 compared to women in their 20s? You will find that the same advice for a healthy pregnancy applies to women of all ages.
As long as you take care of your mind and body, you will be giving your baby the best conditions for healthy development.
1. It starts with a pre-conception check-up.
2. Attend your prenatal checkup.
3. Do not smoke, drink or use any substance.
4. Talk to your doctor about any prescriptions.
5. Participation in an approved prenatal exercise program.
6. Maintain a healthy diet.
7. Take your prenatal vitamins regularly.
8. Get your daily RDA of folate.
9. Maintain a healthy pregnancy weight.
10. Practice good mental health.
11. Maintain a healthy stress level.
12. Get treatment for pre-existing health conditions.
Pregnancy after 35 and exercise
The way you exercise during pregnancy changes when you’re not pregnant. After all, you are carrying a baby and what you do can affect your baby’s health.
Also, the way you exercise in the first trimester is different than the way you exercise in the third trimester. Not to mention, there are some dangerous exercises to avoid.
