Is Delaying Pregnancy Risky?

Today, many women are delaying pregnancy until their early or late 30’s according to new statistics from the CDC.  In fact, in the United States and Canada, new mothers in their 30’s comprise over one-third of the population of expectant mothers each and every year.  According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnancy after age 35 automatically makes the pregnancy ‘high risk,’ according to medical definitions, and will require extra prenatal care as well as procedures that surpass that for women under the age of 35.

Delaying pregnancy increases the risks and complications during pregnancy, for sure. While it is important to understand the risks and be able to assess your predisposition to such risks, it is also vital to understand that with good prenatal care, many, many women experience healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy full term babies.

The biological clock is one that has no reset button.  One risk for delaying pregnancy is the fact that you may experience fertility issues.  Around half of all women over the age of 33, experience some frustrations with fertility.  Not only is there a reduced amount of healthy eggs during ovulation – but many women do not ovulate on a normal basis, as in every month.  So this can mean that it takes longer to get pregnancy, or that medical fertility treatments can become necessary.

So what are the risks?  

  • It can be more difficult to get pregnant, because ovulation is less predictable.  Additionally, the chance of twins is higher.
  • Gestational diabetes is more common in older women.
  • There are more cesarean births in women over the age of 35 than in their younger counterparts.
  • Chromosomal abnormalities are more common, quite simply because eggs are older.
  • Risk of miscarriage is much higher the older you get (for multiple reasons).
  • The risk of developing high blood pressure is higher.

Still, there is no reason to feel panic just because you are of ‘advanced age.’ The real statistic that you should pay attention to is the one from the Mayo Clinic that says 95% of all women over the age of 35, deliver healthy, happy babies, and have healthy pregnancies.

What about you?  Did you wait to have babies?  If so, tell us about your experiences.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2013. All rights reserved.