Older Women and Pregnancy
Late on Arrival
My mother had my sister at 33, ten years after I was born. At that time I swore that I would never wait that long to have kids. Well never say never, I am now 41 years old with a five-year-old.
I was 34 when I got pregnant with my daughter, but because I would be 35 at the time of delivery, I had to go through a battery of tests, including an amniocentesis. Studies show that even with all the medical advances that we have today; health complications in pregnancy are still higher for women over 35. The risks of birth defects and miscarriage all increase. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are also more common in older pregnant women.
I am very thankful that I didn’t encounter any of the aforementioned, but I did get carpal tunnel in both hands, and I passed out at work once (that was fun). After all that I am happy to say that my daughter arrived healthy, with all ten fingers and toes. However, with Jordan I experienced challenges and surprises that I never expected. She was a very temperamental baby, not only did we endure three months of colic, but she seemed to not want to be here. Everything from cuddling to changing her diaper tended to irritate her. She has since calmed down considerably, but we still get a plate full of attitude with a side order of drama from time to time.
Despite all the challenges, I always tell people that when I had Trey I learned unconditional love, with Jordan patience, and I know that it’s because I was older when I had her. The other good thing about being an older mother is the lifetime of experience that you are able to pass down to your children. Something many young mothers don’t have. So don’t let the statistics or your age dictate your decision to have a child. Sometimes the best gifts are belated ones.
The following are just a few things that can increase your chances of having a healthy baby
Folic Acid
Taking just 0.4 mg. of this a day can help decrease the possibility of birth defects such as Spina Bifida. You should also make an effort to eat plenty foods that are rich in this nutrient, such as leafy green vegetables, dried beans, bananas and oranges. Limit Caffeine
Make sure that you don’t consume more than 300 mg. per day. A cup of coffee can contain up to 150 mg, while a cup of tea has only about 80. Caffeine can lurk in sodas and chocolate, so be sure to monitor your intake of them as well. Well-Balanced Diet
Eat a variety of foods that offer all the nutrients that you need. Foods high in starch and fiber are great choices along with foods rich in calcium.
Remember to also get plenty of rest and stay mobile, walking not only helps manage your weight, but it may also make for a smoother delivery.
This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor or health care professional if you have any specific questions or concerns.
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