Risks of Mature Women Having Children

Decades ago the idea of mature women becoming pregnant past the age of 35 was unheard of and something believed to be completely unhealthy for both the mother and child. Times and attitudes have changed and more and more women are willing to become pregnant in their thirties and forties. There are risks involved and it is important for any mature women considering pregnancy later in life to comprehend these issues.

Any pregnancy could result in your child being born with some chromosomal issue such as Down syndrome. The percentage of this occurring will rise the older a woman is when she becomes pregnant. For example, the chances of a thirty year old woman giving birth to a baby with Down syndrome are approximately 1 in 750. A woman ten years older will see that rate increase to approximately 1 in 80. Those numbers are not meant to alarm any mature women considering becoming pregnant. They simply tell a story that mature women need to know in order to make an educated decision and determine whether they would prefer to undergo genetic testing to screen for potential chromosomal issues.

There are other issues mature women need to be aware of when becoming pregnant at a later age. Some of these issues include:

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• Gestational diabetes that develops as result of the pregnancy
• Maternal death
• Placental abruption – the placenta separates from the uterine wall early
• Placental previa – the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix
• Preeclampsia if a woman has high blood pressure and protein in the urine after 20 weeks. The blood vessels constrict which causes high blood pressure.

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Children have issues to contend with as well when being delivered by mature women. Premature deliveries, cesarean sections, low birth weight of less than 5 ½ pounds and stillbirth are all potential hazards of mature women giving birth.

Mature women that are considering becoming pregnant absolutely need to contact their doctors and discuss all potential problems and determine if pregnancy will be a healthy alternative for both the mother and the fetus. Bringing a child into the world is one of the most magical moments a woman can experience. Ensure that the experience will truly be a positive one by taking a look at all hazards mature women can experience during pregnancy before making that commitment.