Decades ago, it was thought that women in their late 30s and early 40s were not able to conceive easily, if at all. However, now that today’s women are focusing on their careers, living healthier lives and ultimately living longer, pregnancy over 35 is not just achievable but often expected.
High Desert women who are over the age of 35 and hoping to become pregnant should meet with the professionals at Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN. Dr. Ahmadinia will work with each Hesperia woman on an individual basis in order to identify her personal risk factors and talk about options for becoming pregnant.
What are the Risks of Becoming Pregnant After 35?
Anyone who becomes pregnant — regardless of their age — is at risk for a variety of issues. There are some risks that are specific to women over the age of 35 who are pregnant. Some of the risks of pregnancy over the age of 35 include:
- Slight increased risk of conceiving a child who has Down’s Syndrome.
- Increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.
- Increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy.
- A longer labor that is more painful and intense.
- A higher risk of c-section.
It is important to discuss these risks with your OBGYN, as each individual woman’s personal risk factors will vary.
Does the Father’s Age Impact Fertility?
Previously, it was thought that the father’s age did not matter and that men who were older did not present an increased risk for fertility. However, recent research has shown that older fathers also have an increased risk for certain chromosomal abnormalities.
For example, men over the age of 40 are more likely to conceive children who have chromosomal abnormalities. Men who are older than 55 are two times more likely to conceive a child who has Down’s Syndrome than a man in his 20s or 30s. Again, it’s important to discuss your own personal situation with the OB/GYN before making a decision about conception and pregnancy.
What Diagnostic Tests are Available for Women of an Advanced Maternal Age?
In many cases, women who become pregnant over the age of 35 opt to have more diagnostic testing performed during the pregnancy. Diagnostic testing that is available during pregnancy includes ultrasound, amniocentesis, testing for gestational diabetes, chorionic villus sampling and alpha-fetoprotein testing. Women who are over 35, not yet pregnant, and are hoping to conceive should have a mammogram performed prior to becoming pregnant.
It is important to remember that there are lots of rumors and false information circulating about pregnancy over the age of 35. Women who are over the age of 35 and hoping to become pregnant should focus on working with their trusted OB/GYN throughout the process of getting pregnant and during the pregnancy itself.
Your OB/GYN is the only person who can keep you informed of your own personal situation, helping you to identify risk factors and come up with solutions to fertility issues that might arise. For more information about pregnancy over the age of 35, contact Dr. Ahmadinia’s office today.
