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Pregnancy can be a complicated and touchy subject for some. Figuring out if you want children and when to have them is everyone’s personal choice. But unfortunately, time isn’t always kind to those who wait. As your biological clock ticks away, the chances of complications during pregnancy and risks associated with late pregnancy become more significant. Of course, prioritizing financial stability and career and important things to focus on. But one should be able to make informed decisions when it comes to family planning. Knowing the risk and repercussions of waiting to conceive after you’ve turned 30 will help you better prepare for what’s to come.
Here are some complications that may arise if you’re pregnant after 30:
1. Chances Of Fertility Over 30
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Oh the dreaded fertility talk. It’s common knowledge that as you grow older, the higher are the risks of a complicated pregnancy which can start with fertility issues. This is because a woman’s body goes through several hormonal and physical changes after the age of 30 (1). And with each passing year, her fertility rate steadily declines. The main reason behind this is because women in their 30’s ovulate less frequently than those in their 20’s. This makes conception harder for older women which can lead to an even later pregnancy, which will bring with it more complications. However many studies have shown that women who have already given birth once have greater fertility even at the age of 40 than those who have never given birth before (2). But it is important to keep in mind that age is not the only factor that adversely affects fertility. You also need to take into account lifestyle choices, health conditions and genetics.
2. Possible Miscarriage
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Your early 30’s are a good time to get serious about family planning and thinking about getting pregnant. After your mid 30’s the female body starts to mature and ovulation becomes erratic, making it harder to conceive. The risk of a miscarriage also increases as a result of late conception. The age of 35 is considered an advanced maternal age. Several studies have shown a higher chance of miscarriage in older moms (3).
3. Chances Of Birth Defects
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The chances of chromosomal abnormalities increase in babies born to mothers over the age of 30 (4). The possibility of a child being affected by down syndrome is also higher so it may be time to consider alternate options like IVF. However, the chances of conceiving via IVF are around 25 to 30 percent for women under 35. This drops drastically to 6 to 8 percent for women above the age of 40. So, if you are planning to have your baby after your mid 30’s it’s best to inform your gynecologist so that they are clued in and present you with your best options at the earliest.
4. Preterm Labor
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If a woman goes into labor before the 37th week of pregnancy, it is known as preterm labor and it’s not a good thing! This is a period before the baby’s vital organs like brains, lungs and heart are fully developed. If you go into preterm labor, doctors will generally recommend bed rest as a way to keep the baby inside your womb for a longer period of time and restrict early birth.
5. Being Pregnant With Multiple Children
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Hey guess what it’s not all bad. If you want to have multiple babies at once, waiting it out might just be the trick! Due to hormone fluctuations, older women are at a greater risk of carrying twins or triplets. So, as you age, the chances of you having multiples increases (5). This can either happen on its own or due to some fertility treatment that a woman has undergone in order to facilitate multiple pregnancies. However, being pregnant with twins or multiple children after a certain age can result in a lot of problems. You may be prone to preeclampsia or gestational diabetes or may face problems like preterm labor which can harm the baby’s growth.
Family planning can be a daunting task but has to be prioritized. Even with all the creature comforts and time that modern medicine can provide, there are still many risks and complications pertaining to late pregnancy that women need to be aware of. It’s okay if you’d like to wait it out, as long as you are aware of the complications that may be coming your way. The most important thing is to figure out what you want while continuing to keep yourself happy and healthy. Keep in mind that a late pregnancy isn’t the end of the world. A lot of women have kids after their early 30’s. Talk to your doctor and scout out your options when you’re ready to have a child. Happy pregnancy!
