Older Women, Pregnancy & C-Sections
Did you know that a first time mother over the age of 35 is at greater risk of pregnancy & labor problems?
What’s more is a woman 40 or older have even a greater risk. This also put them at risk of having a C-Section as well.
Why is over 35 a critical time?
As a woman turns 30 her eggs tend to lose quality and she may ovulate less frequently, this is why some women trying to conceive at this time may find it takes longer. Not all women experience such problems after turning 30, however as they get past 35 and head into 40 the risk of complications increase.
For example, older women who become pregnant are more likely to have multiple births. This is because age-related hormones increase the chances of multiple eggs being released at one time, so having non-identical twins is increased. This is also true in women who use in vitro fertilization. Such an assisted procedure enhances ovulation making multiple births more likely. Of course, giving birth to twins makes a C-Section more probable as well.
It’s also noted that women who conceive later in life have a greater chance of developing gestational diabetes, which is something that occurs only in pregnancy. In most cases the diabetes subsides after the birth of the baby; however there is an increased chance that it will return.
Miscarriages also climb for older women. This is because chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus can become a greater factor.
What can YOU do?
You can help ensure a safe pregnancy by eating sensibly and getting higher than normal quantities of folic acid, calcium, iron and protein. Also make sure you gain the right amount of weight by sticking to a diet that is recommended by your doctor. If you are overweight before you conceive you’ll have to be particularly careful about not gaining too much weight while pregnant.
Even though these things increase the likelihood of having a c-section or other complications, it does not mean that a c-section is inevitible. If, however, you are at risk, greater care and awareness is often enough to tip the scales in your favor of having no complications at all.
If you have learned that a c-section may be in your future check out the Worry Free C-section for tips and advice on how you can best prepare for a cesarean, avoid as much pain as possible and speed your recovery.
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