Most healthy women from age 35 into their 40s have healthy pregnancies. Most women over 35 are in good health. Good prenatal care and healthy habits can help you reduce certain risks. If problems do arise for women over 35, they can usually be successfully treated.
No matter what your age, see your health care provider before trying to get pregnant if you:
- Have a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, a seizure disorder or high blood pressure
- Are on long-term medication
If not under control, some medical conditions can cause risks for you and your baby.
If you are older than 35 and don’t get pregnant after trying for six months, see your health care provider. Older women may find it harder to get pregnant than younger women because fertility declines with age. In many cases, infertility can be treated.
Prenatal Care Is Important
Prenatal care is especially important for women over 35 because:
- They’re more likely to get high blood pressure and diabetes for the first time during pregnancy.
- They may choose to have testing for Down syndrome, a combination of mental retardation and physical defects.
Healthy Habits
To help reduce risks during pregnancy:
- Eat healthy foods.
- Gain a healthy amount of weight.
- Exercise, with your health care provider’s guidance.
- Don’t drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal drugs.
- Don’t take any medications or herbal supplements without first checking with your health care provider.
Prenatal Screening Tests
Ask your provider about prenatal screening tests for the baby. For instance, amniocentesis is often recommended for pregnant women 35 or older.
In amniocentesis, the health care provider inserts a thin needle through the woman’s abdomen. A small amount of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds and protects the baby) is removed and tested for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome or a specific genetic disorder for which the fetus is at risk. Test results are usually available within a week or two. Most women who have prenatal screening tests learn that the baby is healthy and feel reassured by the results.
