Times have changed. Now, more than ever before, women are choosing to have children later on in life. Unlike past generations – where many women prioritised building a family while in their 20s – women are delaying parenthood. Recent studies reveal how women are now spending more time on education, building careers, and even marrying later in life. This means that even if women have babies in their early 30s, the second child will sometimes only arrive after the mom is 35. There are health risks associated with having children later on in life (both for baby and for mom), and these risks further increase after the age of 40.
The implications of putting off having a baby
It might take time to fall pregnant
According to specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Tom Mokaya, due to the body changes in women being a natural progression, it may take longer for a woman to conceive when they are old. “There isn’t something that suddenly happens on the day you turn 35 that’s going to make it more difficult for you to have children. Rather, the age of 35 has been used as a benchmark. At birth, a woman will have half a million eggs. By the time she reaches puberty, that number drops to about 50 000, and only 350 will mature and be released during ovulation,” he explains. He continues to say that falling pregnant in your late 30s and beyond depends on how receptive and responsive your body is. A woman may not ovulate as often or as quickly later in life because the older she gets, the less responsive her uterus becomes to implantation. So her eggs may never implant, or she may experience a miscarriage.”
Opting to have children later in life means living with the reality that the eggs released later in life may not be as high quality as those released earlier, causing problems. “Although the risk of structural abnormalities doesn’t necessarily increase with age, genetic and chromosomal abnormalities can become an issue,” Dr Mokaya warns.
Chromosomal abnormalities are a reality
The risk of chromosomal disorders increases a great deal from the age of 35 upwards. The risk of Down syndrome rises from one in 880 at age 30 to one in 32 by age 45. Doctors use age to determine your risk factor, and they will offer you screening tests. These tests include blood tests and diagnostic tests (amniocentesis or a chorionic villus sampling -CVS), which will look for signs of chromosomal or genetic disorders. CVS comes with a slightly higher risk of miscarriage than an amniocentesis, so you’ll need to learn more about the risks and benefits of these tests before making a decision. There is also an option of a less invasive test called the NIPT (non-invasive prenatal test). It would help if you were emotionally ready for the results these tests may reveal. It is advisable to take these tests as early as possible in pregnancy to deal with the results as early as possible.
There are chances of a miscarriage
At age 20, you have a 95% less risk of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities than when you’re in your forties. Chromosomal abnormalities are sometimes responsible for miscarriage, which is why an older mom will be more prone to having a baby with a congenital disability.
Natural birth is unlikely
If you want a natural birth, chances are this might not happen after the age of 35. According to Mayo Clinic, older mothers have a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications, such as placenta previa – a condition in which the placenta blocks the cervix, which might lead to a C-Section delivery. Also, labour problems tend to be more common in first-time mothers who are older than 35.
You’re more likely to develop gestational diabetes
As women get older gestational diabetes, which only occurs during pregnancy, is more common. If left untreated, it can cause a baby to grow too large, increasing the risk of injuries during delivery.
High blood pressure is likely
At every check-up, your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and your baby’s growth and development. Should you develop high blood pressure, the doctor can put you on medication for your pregnancy duration.
Benefits of birthing after 35
Giving birth later in life is not all doom and gloom. There are benefits, as well. Experts have noticed some differences in women who choose to give birth later in life. These include:
- They tend to be calmer
- Older moms are usually in established and stable relationships
- They have all the support they need
- Financial stability means less stress during pregnancy
- There’s often more time for the kids
