The Risks Associated With Increased Age Pregnancy

Although pregnancy is a physiological and natural process, it’s a hyper-dynamic state. It causes hormonal changes, increases the cardiac output, increases oxygen demand due to increased metabolism, increases reflux of gut contents & increases renal output causing increased urination. 

With advanced maternal age there is increased risk of certain adverse conditions to both mother and baby that should be kept in mind. In most cases, advanced maternal age is considered to be 35 years and above. 

1. Decreased fertility & decrease in egg numbers: A woman’s peak reproductive years are before 30. After 30 years, the ability to conceive a baby declines and the number of eggs also decrease with age. Women start life with a fixed quantity of eggs in their ovaries. With advanced age, fertility is also affected due to other uterine conditions like fibroids and endometriosis.
2. Chromosomal abnormalities: There is high risk of chromosomal abnormalities like down syndrome in babies with increased maternal age. The age of the mother at the time of conception is the most significant factor for this chromosomal abnormality. Down syndrome can be diagnosed as early as 12 weeks pregnancy by maternal blood test. 
3. Low birth weight: Increased maternal age is related to low birth weight, low birth weight babies have more chances of respiratory, cognitive & neurological problems. 
4. Stillbirth/pregnancy loss: Unexplained stillbirths increase with advancing maternal age. Causes are most likely fetal chromosomal abnormalities or pre existing medical conditions. 
5. Gestational diabetes & hypertension: There is an increased chance of developing pregnancy related diabetes & hypertension with advancing maternal age. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing diabetes later in life. High blood pressure can cause a serious condition pre eclampsia.
6. Labour complications leading to c section: Clinical data shows there is an increased chance of C section and instrumental delivery in women of increased age with admissions to intensive care. 

On the other hand despite all of the above mentioned risks associated with increased maternal age, older moms are better educated, well adjusted and more experienced. Try to make preconception appointments with an obstetrician to do baseline blood tests and other investigations to know about general health and wellbeing if planning to conceive at an older age. Eat a healthy balanced diet. Try to maintain appropriate weight. Stay physically active. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Do blood tests for chromosomal analysis to take effective measures in treatment in case a baby has some chromosomal disorder.