Many women are delaying motherhood until they are in their mid-30s or 40s. If you are looking for information on advanced maternal age pregnancy, you are on the right page.
We’ve created this article to help you overcome the potential challenges of being a mum at your age.
Fertility and Conception After 35
The age of a person affects the fertility of both sexes, not only females. It is the single biggest factor that affects a woman’s chance to conceive a healthy baby. Around the age of 30, the fertility of a woman starts to decline and it speeds up even more by mid-30s.
A woman has an 85% chance to conceive within a year if she is younger than 30. When she reaches 30, she has a 75% chance in the first twelve months. The chance declines to 66% as she turns 35 and 44% at the age of 40. This is due to the effect of ageing on the ovary and eggs. Older women are also more likely to experience a miscarriage compared to younger women.
Factors affecting the fertility of a woman
- Her age
- How long she’s trying to conceive
- Being under/overweight
- The age of her partner
- Hormone levels
- Concerns with reproductive organs
Potential Risks and Complications
An older mother may be at a higher risk for the following:
- Chromosomal abnormalities
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia
- Miscarriage and stillbirth
- Congenital malformations
- Difficult of obstructed labour
Many women over 35 still have healthy pregnancies and babies. It’s only important to note these risks and not rule them out as they are possibilities in advanced maternal pregnancies.
Some studies also show that even if there is a higher risk of pregnancy problems in older women, their babies may have less problems that babies of younger women. Let’s discuss more about the positive side of late pregnancy.
Benefits of Conceiving Late
By 30 and older, many people have reached a certain level of emotional maturity and financial security. This stability makes a strong foundation for raising a child.
More life experience also often translates into better decision-making and a more patient approach to parenting. By this age, many have established their careers, meaning they are more flexible, stable, and have more resources to support a family.
Older parents usually have stronger support systems like friends, family, and partners. Many individuals also feel more ready and prepared to become parents when they are more mature in terms of age. They believe that conceiving at such an age results in a more thoughtful and deliberating parenting approach.
Preconception Care for Women Over 35
Preparing for pregnancy is important, regardless of age. But when you have conceived at a later age, it is even more crucial that you prepare.
Schedule a thorough checkup with your gynaecologist in Singapore or any gynae clinic. They may run tests such as:
- Pap smear
- Breast exam
- Blood tests for anaemia, diabetes, & thyroid function
- Screening for STIs
- Assessment of immunity to rubella and chickenpox
If you have conditions like a chronic disease for example, make sure to work with your doctor to regulate it before you conceive. You may also want to screen for genetic disorders. It’s best to be on the safe side.
The general message here is to discuss your overall health, your current medical conditions, and the medications that you’re taking. This is the best time to address health concerns so you can modify your lifestyle accordingly. Receive proper nutrients. Exercise regularly. Manage stress. Achieve a healthy BMI. And get quality sleep every night.
As to supplementation, start taking prenatal vitamins, especially those with folic acid, to prepare your body for pregnancy. At your age, take care of your mental health. Don’t hesitate to leverage the support of your family and friends.
Once you are pregnant, attend all prenatal appointments to monitor not only your health but also your baby’s development.
Prenatal Care for Late Pregnancies
It’s recommended that you register with a gynae or polyclinic as soon as you know you are pregnant, usually before 12 weeks of pregnancy. Your schedule might look like this:
- Every four weeks until 28 weeks
- Every two to three weeks from 28 to 36 weeks
- Weekly from 36 weeks until delivery
Screening Tests
First trimester (11-13 weeks)
- Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan
- Blood test for pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Second trimester (15-20 weeks)
- Maternal Serum Screening (MSS) or “Triple Test”
- Anomaly scan (checking for physical abnormalities)
Gestational diabetes
- Between 24-28 weeks but can be done earlier if you have a high-risk pregnancy
Group B Streptococcus
- 36-37 6/7 weeks
Genetic Testing
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) – This indicates whether your baby may have a genetic syndrome.
- Chronic Villus Sampling (CVS) – It’s used to test for chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic concerns.
- Amniocentesis – A small sample of the amniotic fluid will be tested for genetic disorders in a foetus.
Talk to the gynae about which of these tests is appropriate for you. Only they can assess basing on your age and medical history.
Tips for a Healthy Late Pregnancy
Here are some tips you can follow to have a healthy advanced maternal age pregnancy.
- Fill half your plate with fruits and veggies, a quarter with whole grains, and a quarter with protein.
- Stay hydrated.
- Eat iron-rich foods like lean meats, spinach, and fortified cereals. Or pair them with vitamin C foods for better absorption.
- Include low-fat dairy products in your diet.
- Lean towards eating fully-cooked-only foods. Avoid raw foods for now.
- Limit drinking caffeinated beverages.
- Commit to low-impact activities when you’re considering exercising. Yoga classes can do.
- Go for a walk like in the morning or evening when it’s cool.
- If you have stationary bikes at home, use them.
- If your gynae suggested to do so, do lightweight training to maintain muscle tone.
- Prioritise quality sleep and rest periods. The goal is to ensure you still get adequate rest when working.
- Join prenatal support groups or online forums for expectant mothers.
- You may also consider going to therapists for prenatal massages.
- If you smoke, quit on your own or call the QuitLine provided by Singapore’s Health Promotion Board. As much as possible, avoid secondhand smoke.
- Abstain from alcohol completely.
- Be mindful because you may be exposed to chemicals in cosmetics and cleaning products. You may want to invest in an air purifier, especially if the haze season is nearing.
- If you’re considering travelling, consult your doctor first if it’s safe for you and your baby to go out of town.
- Don’t miss your appointments. No matter how frequent they are, you should be more proactive since you are at an advanced maternal age.
Postpartum Care and Considerations
The postpartum period is also known as the “confinement” period, especially for mums like you who have had a late pregnancy. Here’s what you should know about postpartum care.
You should schedule your first postpartum checkup within four to six weeks after delivery. Raise your questions regarding postnatal issues you’ve been experiencing, such as breastfeeding, exercise, sex, and birth control.
During the physical examination, your gynae will record your weight and blood pressure. They will also check your abdomen to make sure there is no tenderness. If you underwent C-section, they’ll inspect the incision.
Here are more steps involved in the physical examination:
- You will be asked if you have breast-related concerns (e.g., engorgement, infection).
- You will be fully examined to ensure you’re healing well.
- A pap smear will be conducted to detect if there are abnormal cell changes in your cervix.
- If you’ve had gestational diabetes while pregnant, an oral glucose tolerance test will be employed to confirm if your glucose levels have gone back to their normal levels.
- Your mood will also be discussed to assess your mental and well-being in general.
- Available birth control options may also be discussed so you can properly decide which is most suitable for you.
When To See My Gynae Postpartum?
You don’t have to wait for your appointment date if you experience physical and emotional issues. Examples are heavy bleeding, worsening pains in the abdomen, discharge, wound swelling, and depression symptoms.
As soon as you experience these symptoms, make an immediate appointment with your OB-GYN or gynae clinic.
Conclusion
Getting pregnant at 35 or 50 is not as rare as it used to be. Despite the challenges of conceiving a baby at an older age, this is still a possibility. Welcome your bundle of joy with us! WS Law Women’s Clinic is a gynae clinic in Singapore and will help you throughout your pregnancy.
Contact us right here!