More women are having babies later in life. Here's how to improve chances of healthy pregnancy
KSL News • • health
Key Points:
- In 2023, 21% of U.S. births were to women aged 35 and older, more than doubling since 1990, raising certain health risks for both mothers and babies associated with advanced maternal age.
- Older pregnant women face higher chances of conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, pregnancy complications, cesarean sections, multiple births, and genetic abnormalities in babies, though overall risks remain relatively low.
- Experts emphasize the importance of pre-pregnancy health optimization, including a balanced diet, physical activity, managing chronic diseases, and regular medical care to improve pregnancy outcomes for women over 35.
- Prenatal care for older mothers may include first-trimester ultrasounds, noninvasive prenatal testing for chromosomal abnormalities, and growth ultrasounds later in pregnancy to monitor fetal health and placental function.
- Cesarean delivery rates increase with maternal age, with nearly half of births to women 40 and older delivered by C-section, which carries higher risks of maternal complications; placenta-related issues and gestational diabetes are more common among older pregnant women.
