Whether you are pregnant (if so, congratulations!) or thinking of having a baby after the age of 40, you may be worried about the health implications of pregnancy after 40.
In the first instance, let’s establish the fact that many women give birth after the age of 40, and in most cases, the pregnancy will be completely healthy. Having said that, it is true that some complictations are a little more likely.
If you are 40 or over, this guide will help you become more aware of the potential risks, as well as several tips to ensure your pregnancy runs as smoothly as possible.
What are the Risks of Pregnancy after 40?
There are a range of common conditions that apply to any pregnancy, no matter whether you are younger or older than 40. But some become a little more common as you age:
Gestational Diabetes
Women in their 40s have an increased chance of developing gestational diabetes; in fact, the chances are up to 8%. If you are over 35, it is crucial that you are tested for diabetes. When the condition is not medically managed, the chances of bigger babies, higher blood pressure, and preterm birth all increase.
Caesarean Birth
Women over 40 are two times as likely to require a caesarean birth, with experts believing that the uterine muscle becomes less effective as we age. Caesarean births are also more common amongst first-time mothers and, coupled with other potential complications, your doctor may discuss a planned caesarean with you.
Stillbirth
Stillbirth is a particular risk amongst women that go past their due date. Monitoring your baby’s movements on a regular basis is recommended. Should you notice your baby’s movements are slowing down, changing, or stopping completely, do not delay and contact your doctor straight away.
Chromosomal Abnomalities
It is possible that your baby will have a chromosomal abnormality. Down’s syndrom and Patau’s syndrome are the most common amongst these. However, overall, the risk remains relatively small. Screening tests during your pregnancy will alert you of any potential issues.
Big Baby!
Pregnant women over the age of 40 are far more likely to give birth to a larger baby, defined as weighing over 4.5kb or 10lb. Having a big baby is usually associated with developing gestational diabetes, so it’s prudent to ensure your midwife keeps an eye on whether a scan is required to check the size of your baby.
Steps You Can Take
Fortunately, even with the associated risk factors, there is a very high chance that your pregnancy will be entirely normal and your baby fully healthy. There are also several steps you can take to help ensure a healthy pregnancy:
Cut out sugary drinks and food. Because you are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, take extra care with your diet. Ensure it is healthy and balanced, avoid ultra-processed foods and, most importantly, avoid sugar in your diet as much as possible. Eat carefully during pregnancy because mindful eating is about more than just what you eat. It’s about how you eat and why you eat.
If you are overweight or obese, try to lose the excess weight before your pregnancy. BMI is a helpful indication and even bringing this figure down by one or two points can have a significant effect on your overall health and your pregnancy.
Avoid smoking, drugs, and alcohol. Research has consistently shown that drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes can be extremely harmful to a baby during pregnancy. Try to avoid these items as much as possible.
Exercise regularly. During your pregnancy, it is still possible to remain active. Of course, you may have to alter your usual exercise regimen, but do try to keep moving.
If you are not used to vigorous exercise, do not ramp up your activity quickly. Instead, start by walking for 15-30 minutes three to four times a week. Slowly but surely, add both time and intensity.
Have a birth plan. Meet your doctor and midwife to create a birth plan for your pregnancy. Ensure you meet regularly to discuss and monitor progress!
Remember, as a woman and pregnancy After 40, you are far from alone. The rate of pregnant women in this age category has more than doubled in the last thirty years. In fact, 20% of women give birth over the age of 35. Even though risks do increase as you get older, the likelihood is that you will welcome a healthy baby, without major complications.
