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Pregnancy For Older Couples |
Pregnancy For Older Couples.
I'm 40 years old this month and want to have another baby. How will this pregnancy be different from my earlier one?
There are several advantages to being older. You are more mature and probably have more patience. Your financial situation may be better than when you were younger. On the other hand, problems you have with chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can worsen and affect both you and your baby. There are also increased risks for the baby. For a thorough discussion of pregnancy in the older woman, read our book Your Pregnancy after 35.
Does this mean I shouldn't get pregnant now that I'm older?
No, but a pregnancy may be a little more difficult for you. This is an individual situation that you and your partner should discuss with your doctor.
I am 39 and hope to be pregnant soon. Will I need any special tests during pregnancy?
With increasing maternal age, tests to consider include the following:
- Ultrasound.a
- Amniocentesis
- Chorionic villus sampling
- Alpha-fetoprotein testing
- Diabetes testing
- Mammogram (if you haven't had one)
What are some of the possible problems I might have if I am older than 35 and get pregnant?
Risks are varied and include the following: - a slightly increased risk of a baby with Down syndrome
- a higher risk of Cesarean section
- problems with diabetes or high blood pressure
- a harder, longer labor
If you have other chronic medical problems, such as thyroid disease, or take medications regularly, discuss your concerns with your doctor before getting pregnant.
My husband is older, and we've heard that his age can affect my pregnancy and our baby. Is this true?
Some researchers believe this may be true. It has been shown that chromosomal abnormalities occur more often in babies born to women over 35 and men over 40. Men over age 55 are twice as likely as younger men to father a child with Down syndrome.
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