The Risks Of Pregnancy After 40

There are women over 40 who are about to have their first child. Although the chances of getting pregnant are low, it’s important to know the risks of pregnancy after 40.

Women tend to plan their pregnancy between their 20s and 30s.  However, later delivery is quite common today due to various factors such as:

• work and career
• economic factors
• personal reasons

The main risks of pregnancy after 40

Higher risk of genetic abnormalities

As women get older, their eggs no longer have the ability to divide so easily. Therefore, there is an increased risk of genetic problems in newborns. The most common is Down syndrome.

An error in cell division causes this condition, which begins with the fusion of the egg and sperm cell. This gives the embryo an extra twenty-third chromosome. This syndrome causes intellectual disability and often serious heart disease.

When mothers-to-be are younger than 40, the risk of these conditions is less than 1 in 1000 women. For those over the age of 40, the risk rises to 1 in 500.

Preeclampsia

This is a medical complication and is associated with hypertension and high levels of protein in the urine. If the condition occurs, it starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The woman’s hands and face swell and this can damage the nervous system and cause various problems such as:

• to attack
• strokes
• other conditions

hypertension

High blood pressure affects the baby. Usually this problem occurs late in the second trimester. If the symptoms come back, it can lead to contractions.

Pregnancy risks after 40 during the process

Infertility

Sometimes infertility is caused by physical or hormonal problems, sudden and drastic changes in lifestyle and environmental factors. However, the most common problem is premature ovarian failure, where the ovaries stop working before menopause.

Another reason is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which hinders the release of mature eggs. Other factors that contribute to infertility include:

• tumors in the uterus
• endometriosis
• blocked fallopian tubes

gestational diabetes

This is defined as a metabolic disorder during pregnancy. The most serious consequences are:

• urinary tract infections
• strong weight gain of mother and child

• premature birth

Problems during pregnancy

As mentioned above, women over 40 are more likely to have gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition, there is a higher risk of damage to the placenta and they are more likely to have abnormal bleeding during delivery (or even before).

Risks of pregnancy after 40 during childbirth

preterm birth

The greatest risk is the death of the baby, but the baby can also suffer many consequences if he/she survives. You should think of problems such as:

• deafness
• blindness
• cerebral palsy

Caesarean section or assisted vaginal delivery

In case of late delivery, the second stage of pregnancy is prolonged. As a result, aggressive aids (vacuum or forceps) are sometimes required for vaginal births. Sometimes a cesarean section is necessary.

Miscarriage

This risk is characterized by the spontaneous death and expulsion of the fetus before five months of age. According to a study by the Tambre Clinic  in Madrid, the risk of miscarriage increases with age:

• 20 to 24 years the risk is 11%
• 25 to 29 years, the risk increases to 12%
• 30 to 34 years, the risk increases to 15%
• 35 to 40 years, the risk increases to 25%

• over the age of 40, the risk increases to almost 95%

Women who become pregnant after the age of 40 do not always suffer from these complications. However, you never know for sure what risks you are running.

Being a mother has never been easier, but it’s worth trying to have a child when the woman is ready and able to provide stability to the baby.