High risk factors and the health complications associated with having babies at a later stage

Unlike a few decades ago, it is not strange nowadays for women to postpone having children, leaving it for much later in life.

Careers are a much bigger priority, there is a big world outside to explore and travelling and taking a job or two abroad are exiting options before some women want to settle down and have babies.

In commemoration of Pregnancy Awareness Week, which was celebrated from February 10 to 16, local doctor, Dr Wickus Erasmus, shares tips for older mothers.

“Mothers who are older, say around 35 years or older, should know that they may take longer to fall pregnant. Eggs may have declined in quality and quantity and they might ovulate less frequently. After 40, it may happen only five or six times a year. Endometriosis and uterine fibroids may also hinder conception.

“Due to assisted reproductive technology to enhance fertility, the chances of having twins or a multiple pregnancy are higher. Gestational diabetes is also more likely to develop and older pregnant women should take good care to better control their blood sugar through a healthy diet and physical activity. Other lifestyle measures may be essential”.

Erasmus says untreated gestational diabetes may cause large babies, increasing the risk for mother and baby during delivery.

Other risk factors for older pregnant women are the higher likelihood to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure plus protein in the urine) or placenta praevia (where the placenta blocks the cervix and bleeding occurs).

First-time mothers who are older than 35 are more prone to labour problems and miscarriage.

“The risk of chromosome abnormalities in babies is higher too, for instance Down Syndrome.

Amniocentesis should be done at an an early stage of the pregnancy to detect abnormalities if the mother-to-be is older,” Erasmus says.

“Occurence of Down Syndrome increases sharply the older a woman gets.”

The age of a baby’s father may also be a risk factor: if he is 40 years or older, the risk of autism is higher, while babies of fathers who are older than 50 may be more prone to birth defects such as the bone growth disorder, achondroplasia due to age- related genetic mutations.

The risk of cognitive impairment may also be higher.

Erasmus advises older pregnant women to take good care of themselves and to make a pre-conception appointment for a comprehensive health assessment and to go for regular prenatal care appointments.

“A healthy diet may help develop a healthy spine and brain. A pregnant mother needs more folic acid, iron, calcium and protein.

“Beware of exceptional weight gain, stay physically active and ask your doctor before embarking on any new exercise regimen or continuing with your exercise programme.

“Avoid harmful substances such as alcohol and cigarettes and illicit drugs and consider prenatal testing for chromosomal abnormalities should you be advised to,” he says.

“The care you take, even before conception may have a lasting effect on you and your baby.”

• The oldest documented birth was in 2008, when an Indian woman aged 70 gave birth to twins through a caesarian section.