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Women are choosing to have children later in their lives. Financial stability, maturity, and stronger relationships are just a few reasons why women are waiting, and the decision to delay motherhood does come with several perks. However, for women who become pregnant at the age of 35 or older, there is one downside: their pregnancy is immediately considered “at-risk.”
Although there are higher risks in an advanced age pregnancy, that doesn’t mean that a woman aged 35 years or older can’t have a healthy pregnancy. Many women experiencing advanced age pregnancies can dramatically reduce their risks simply by taking good care of themselves. A few great ways to care for yourself and your pregnancy include:
Take your folic acid
Folic acid is a highly beneficial supplement for any pregnancy, but is especially useful for advanced age pregnancies. Advanced age pregnancies are more susceptible to birth defects, and folic acid has been shown to reduce the likelihood of birth defects, in particular those that affect the brain and spine. By taking 600mg of folic acid a day, moms-to-be can help keep their pregnancies healthy.
Have the proper tests
As we age, our genes are more likely to mutate. For women with advanced aged pregnancies, they have a higher likelihood of passing mutated genes on to their children. These mutated genes may result in birth defects or other chromosomal abnormalities, such as trisomies. Trisomies are common chromosomal abnormalities, and are the results of chromosomes not replicating properly. Trisomy 21, the most common of the chromosomal abnormalities, is responsible for Down syndrome.
To detect chromosomal abnormalities, women with advanced age pregnancies should consider completing a prenatal DNA test. By having a prenatal DNA test done, a mother can learn in advance if she needs to make any extra preparations for the arrival of her child.
Get your move on
Mothers who exercise on a regular basis typically have easier pregnancies. They are less likely to have excessive weight gain, are less susceptible to pregnancy-related diseases, and are more likely to have an easier delivery. While you most likely won’t be able to engage in the intense work outs you maintained prior to pregnancy, you should still be exercising for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. To better determine the exercise regimen that will work well for you, consult with your OB/GYN or with a personal trainer used to working with pregnant clientele. Yoga classes for pregnant women are also a great way to stay in shape!
Keep your plate balanced
Like exercise, eating a healthy and balanced plate is important for any woman experiencing an advanced age pregnancy. Healthy eating will not only help you feel better and more energized, but it will also help keep excessive weight gain away. The average woman should gain between 20 and 30 pounds during pregnancy and additional weight gain can lead to pregnancy related diseases such as diabetes and preeclampsia. To help keep your pregnancy healthy, eat a diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.
Meditate
Excessive and prolonged stress can be harmful to a pregnancy. A great way to minimize the effects of stress on your pregnancy is meditation. Meditation will help you re-center yourself and take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Meditation can even lower your blood pressure and help you better control your breathing which may be helpful later while experiencing contractions.
Taking care of yourself is the first step to taking care of your pregnancy. If you are a woman aged 35 years or older, be sure to really consider the quality of care you are providing yourself. If you find there is room for improvement, make the adjustments needed. You and your baby are worth it.
