Pregnancy at 40

Pregnancy at age 40 is often referred to as a
geriatric pregnancy
. However, this is an unfair term due to the fact that geriatric doctors mostly deal with people over 70. year of age. Pregnancy at 40, despite the fact that it carries the risk of complications, has many advantages. Those with children at a more mature age value their experience, as well as life or financial stability.

Pregnancy at 40- how to prepare?

The older a woman is, the lower her ovarian reserve is, and consequently there may be problems getting pregnant. Therefore, doctors recommend starting efforts to have a baby earlier. Some couples, however, choose to become pregnant at age 40. In such a situation, it is worth preparing for it properly.

A woman should perform basic tests such as blood count, blood glucose levels, cytology and breast ultrasound. Transvaginal ultrasound can provide information about the possible presence of uterine myomas or other abnormalities that may affect pregnancy and its course. Besides, it’s also a good idea to visit your dentist’s office and consult a phlebologist to reduce the risk of developing varicose veins during pregnancy. The mother-to-be should also check her blood pressure. This is because as we age, the risk of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension increases, which if uncontrolled can carry complications during pregnancy. It is extremely important in preparing for pregnancy to make sure you are at the right weight through a healthy diet or regular physical activity. Parents should avoid alcohol and stimulants. It is very important to supplement folic acid, which reduces the risk of neural tube defects.

Pregnancy at 40- research

Women over 35. year olds are covered by a special prenatal screening program. They are reimbursed by the National Health Service for reference ultrasound examinations in each trimester, as well as for the so-called “reference ultrasound”. PAPP-A test. If the baby is at high risk of defects, amniocentesis or free fetal DNA testing is recommended. Moms-to-be should also remain under the care of a qualified specialist due to the fact of high-risk pregnancies resulting from the pregnant woman’s age.

Pregnancy at 40- the risks

As we age, the chance of getting pregnant decreases. Women in their 40s often need more time to get pregnant, and sometimes assisted reproduction methods are also necessary. Besides, pregnancy at 40 carries the risk of complications such as gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes and preterm labor. As a woman ages, the risk of chromosomal aberrations in the child also increases. More commonly, pregnancies in their 40s may develop Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome. Statistically, in a 40-year-old woman, the risk of Down syndrome is approx. 1:100, and for comparison in 20. year of age: 1:1200 cases. However, many women in their 40s give birth to healthy babies and enjoy late motherhood.