Pregnancy After 35

Pregnancy After 35

by Deleted user -
Number of replies: 3

Studies have shown that pregnancy after age 35 can not only have maternal effects but also fetal effects. This seems to be due to the fact that as women age, they increasingly become more at risk to conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and baby loss. Loss has been shown to be attributed to the baby receiving too many or too few chromosomes which leads to abnormal genetic material. Several other risks for the baby and mother include: premature delivery, fetus growth retardation, and gestational diabetes. Several chromosomal birth defects that are commonly seen in babies born to women over the age of 35 include but are not limited to: down syndrome, Patau Syndrome, and Edward’s Syndrome. 

In light of several risks, modern advancements have come up with methods to test for infertility or genetic abnormalities. For example, genetic screening is offered to test for conditions such as down syndrome and it can even be applied as early as 11 or 12 weeks into the pregnancy. Another method is an anatomy ultrasound which confirms that the baby has all of the internal and external parts it should. If you are 40 or over and plan to deliver a baby, it is recommended to use the fetal monitoring system to ensure that both the mom and baby are healthy. Lastly, a mother can increase her chances of having a healthy child by scheduling prenatal care appointments, getting shots such as the flu shot, taking vitamin supplements, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet. 

Prior to this research, I had already hoped and planned to have children before I am 35. In light of this research though, I feel like I’m definitely going to try my best to have children before I am 35 just because potential complications scare me. Overall, I do believe pregnancy after the age of 35 is fine as long as the individuals involved understand the risks. Moreover, I think women are starting to have children later due to higher levels of education, career building, rigid work policies, unemployment, etc. 

Pregnancy Beyond Age 35 – Reviewing the Risks. (2015). Retrieved from


Pregnancy after 35: What you need to know. (2017, August 5). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20045756




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In reply to Deleted user

Re: Pregnancy After 35

by Deleted user -
Hey Ansleigh! I think you did a great job explaining the risks associated with woman bearing children over the age of 35. Your post was very insightful and easy to comprehend! I never knew how important it is to have a good prenatal care before you have your baby. I also think it's interesting that if you are over the age of 40, they recommend the use of fetal monitoring system to ensure that both the mom and baby are healthy. I thought they always recommend that to all woman who are having children. I also had planned on having children before 35 because complications scare me too! I also think it's very important to be adequately informed! Loved your post.

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In reply to Deleted user

Re: Pregnancy After 35

by Deleted user -
I think that it is fascinating that genetic screening can take place as early as 11 weeks into a pregnancy. This is still extremely early in the process and would allow for the parents to make plans if they did learn about their child having a disability. I also found it intriguing while doing research is the effect that a healthy diet can have on a pregnancy. The websites I looked at said a healthy diet can greatly increase your chances on having a healthy baby. I think it is cool that the smallest factors can have such a profound effect. I think you did a great job in the way you laid out your discussion. You made it very easy to follow and understand while still putting good information.

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In reply to Deleted user

Re: Pregnancy After 35

by Deleted user -
Hey Ansleigh! I really enjoyed reading your forum post and learning more about your thoughts about pregnancy after 35. I think it is very important that one knows the potential risks and complications when conceiving a child after the age of 35, because as you explained, these problems can affect both the mother and the child. While doing my research, I read that a big risk in pregnancy over 35 is the potential of a miscarriage. I liked that you explained that a potential reason for a miscarriage is due to the fetus receiving an incorrect number of chromosomes. I’m glad that your research allowed you to become more informed and secure your own decision to have kids before 35!

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