While there is no magical age when it is okay to get pregnant and have a baby, there are some increased risks when you are older. If you are of advanced maternal age, you should be aware of these risks so that if you become pregnant, you take good care of yourself and your unborn baby.

You Might Have a Preterm Baby

It is not uncommon for an older woman to have a preterm baby, where your baby arrives well before your due date. This is even more common if you have a multiple pregnancy, but you can still have a preterm baby with a single birth. In addition to being preterm, there is a higher risk of having a baby with a lower birth rate. Prevent both of these by paying close attention to your nutrition, getting plenty of exercise while pregnant, and take your prenatal vitamins. Check to make sure there is folic acid in your prenatals, as this is important for proper baby development.

There is a Chance For Multiples

As you get older, there is a higher chance of releasing multiple eggs during each time you ovulate, which increases your chances for having a multiple pregnancy. When you release more than one egg and have unprotected sex or are actively trying to get pregnant, there is the possibility of sperm fertilizing each egg. This is what is called a fraternal twin pregnancy. In addition to this risk, older women often rely on fertility treatments like intrauterine insemination or in-vitro fertilization, both of which can also increase your chances for a multiple pregnancy. There is a risk when you have multiples, including delivering the babies early, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and a higher chance of needing a cesarean section.

You Risk Having Pregnancy Complications

Aside from complications with your baby, there are also some pregnancy complications associated with getting pregnant when you are of advanced material age. For one thing, there is a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, which is a type of diabetes that only occurs while you are pregnant. You will need to watch your nutrition carefully if your OBGYN tells you that you have this condition. There is also the risk of having higher blood pressure while you are pregnant.

If you are an older woman and want to have a baby, the best thing you can do is visit your doctor for a prenatal screening and stay healthy when trying to get pregnant, and during your pregnancy. Contact a business, such as Women's Healthcare of Illinois, for more information.