Things to know if you are thinking of becoming pregnant later in life
AP 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 risks for mothers and babies such as high blood pressure, pregnancy complications, and genetic abnormalities.
- Despite increased risks, most older mothers have healthy pregnancies, and doctors emphasize the importance of optimizing health before conception through balanced diet, exercise, and managing chronic conditions.
- Prenatal care for women over 35 often includes early ultrasounds to confirm due dates and check for multiples, as well as noninvasive prenatal testing to screen for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.
- Older maternal age is associated with a higher likelihood of cesarean delivery and complications such as placenta problems and gestational diabetes, but these risks remain relatively low and manageable with proper medical care.
- Monitoring fetal movement and growth ultrasounds later in pregnancy are recommended to detect potential issues, with healthcare providers advising vigilance as delivery approaches to ensure maternal and fetal well-being.
