Pregnancy after 35

If you are 35 years or older and wanting to get pregnant, then your age should not get in your way of trying to get pregnant. Life happens in various ways and our timelines will vary. Pregnancy after 35 is common, but here is what you should know.

If you are older than age 35 and trying to get pregnant, you are in good company. Pregnancy after 35 is common as many women are delaying pregnancy well into their 30s and beyond.

And delivering healthy babies!

Did you know that the CDC published a report finding that there are more women in their thirties having babies than women in their twenties? This just shows how times have changed.

What is pregnancy after 35 called?

Being pregnant over 35 years of age has some medical terms associated with it. It may be referred to as 'advanced maternal age.'

Is 35 considered advanced maternal age?

Advanced maternal age is another term used for a woman who has a baby at age 35 or older.

Is pregnancy after 35 considered high risk?

Pregnancy at 35 and older is considered a “high risk” pregnancy. Why? Because overall pregnancy-related complications are higher than for women in their late 30s.

But a high-risk pregnancy does not directly mean that your risk is high. In reality, your risk is still relatively low, especially if you maintain a healthy lifestyle which why being 'PregActive' is so important.

Getting fit and healthy before pregnancy will help ensure you enjoy a more empowering pregnancy and staying healthy throughout your pregnancy will better prepare you for childbirth and encourage a speedier postpartum recovery.

Is 36 too old to have a baby?

No, absolutely not. There are many women who are 36 years of age and older who are having multiple pregnancies and delivering beautiful healthy babies.

In recent generations, many women have been advancing their careers which has become a primary focus for some. Some of us have waited longer in deciding to have children.

Do you have lots of questions?

When searching Google you know what I found?

I found a lot of common questions being asked by women over 30 about having a baby and if they can.

Or what increased risks they face.

For example, here are some of the most common questions being asked:

1. Is 37 too old to get pregnant?

2. Is 37 years old a high risk pregnancy?

3. Is having a baby at 37 too old?

4. Can I have a healthy baby at 39 years old?

5. Is it OK to be pregnant at 37?

6. Can a woman get pregnant at 37?

Do any of these sound familiar?

You are not alone in having lots of questions you want answered.

My Experience

With over fifteen years working with pregnant women in delivering prenatal exercise classes and helping women to lead a healthier life; I know the importance of being healthy when trying to get pregnant.

Many of these questions are normal. And the answer to most questions is that you can get pregnant over 35 and enjoy a healthy pregnancy along with delivering healthy babies.

Through PregActive, my in-studio classes, my online programs and prenatal workout videos; I have helped hundreds of thousands of women enjoy a fit and healthy pregnancy. And now I want to help you.

Your health and well-being matters when pregnant.

Are you over 35 years of age and trying to get pregnant?

If you are over the age of 35 and are trying to conceive, the first thing you should do is book in a visit with your doctor. Your age has such a minor role in the health of your pregnancy.

But it is still important to know your risks and take measures on improving them which is what this post is all about. That is doing what you can within your control to be fit and healthy to carry a baby.

What You Should Do Before pregnancy

Yes, it could take longer to get pregnant as you get older. You are born with all the eggs you will ever have. By the time you’re in your mid-30s, you have fewer eggs.

The eggs you do have left are older and don’t have the same quality as newer eggs. This can make it harder for them to be fertilized.

But if you are in good health then you will increase your chances of getting pregnant and having healthy babies. What you do now is important when it comes to your health.

What To Do before Pregnancy

1. Visit your doctor for a check-up.

You should focus on being as healthy as you can before you get pregnant. Speak to your doctor about any vaccines you need as well as talking about your health history.

Questions you may want to ask your doctor

1. Why does age put me at increased risk of complications?

2. How old is too old to have a baby?

3. What increased risks will I have if I get pregnant after age 35?

4. Should I get extra testing to measure my risk for complications?

5. What can I do to reduce my risks of complications such as preterm birth?

6. If testing finds that my baby has an increased risk of a chromosomal abnormality, what should I do?

2. Get treatment for current health issues.

If you have any current health conditions that are causing you concern, make sure they are being treated. This includes physical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

3. Reduce stress.

Stress can have a negative effect on your body. Learn stress-management skills before you get pregnant so that stress doesn’t affect your baby. Your mental health when pregnant is important.

4. Check your medications.

Let your doctor know about every medicine you take including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Some medications are not safe to take during pregnancy.

5. Take folic acid.

Folic acid is a vitamin that helps with growth and development. You should be getting your RDA of folic acid as it can help prevent birth defects in your baby.

6. Maintain a healthy weight.

If you are overweight or underweight, you’re more likely to have health problems during pregnancy. Try to get to a healthy weight and maintain it before you get pregnant.

What are the risks of having a baby after age 35

Your eggs

As we age, the risk of abnormalities in our eggs grows. In conjunction with abnormal eggs, here are a few of the published risks of having a geriatric pregnancy:

1. Miscarriage

Your eggs are more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities, the older you get, the more likely you are to miscarry.

2. Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition that is characterized by high blood pressure and excessive amounts of protein in your urine which is a sign that certain organs like the kidneys and liver aren’t working properly. This condition requires medical assistance.

3. Gestational Diabetes

The risk of gestational diabetes increases as you age. Women under 35 having about a 3% chance of developing it, women who are 35-39 have a 5.3% chance, and women over 40 have roughly an 8% chance of developing gestational diabetes.

Other risks of having an advanced maternal age during pregnancy include:

1. Emergency C-Sections
2. High Blood Pressure
3. Fertility Problems
4. Premature Birth
5. Low Birth Weight
6. Chromosomal Defects

Benefits of having a baby over 35

It is important to be aware of the increased risks but if you participate in a healthy lifestyle, attend regular check-ups, and pregnancy pre-screening, then you should not be worrying too much.

At PregActive, our mission is to look after you. Through our online program and weekly workouts, our goal is to keep you fit and healthy as you progress through each week of your pregnancy.

Another important factor to ensure everything goes smoothly, you should work closely with your doctor and listen to their medical advice.

So while the risks may seem a bit overwhelming, there are a number of benefits.

Pregnancy after 35 – Benefits of Having a Baby when Older

Women over the age of 35 who are trying to conceive are also more committed to being healthy for their baby.

Becoming a mother after the age of 35 means that you’ve had some time to mature, develop patience, and gain a better idea of what you want in life.

Most women at 35 have a stable job, stronger education, and more overall resources to care for their children.

Many women will prioritize their health because they've been given this stigma of being too old for a healthy pregnancy.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy after 35

Are there any unique tips for a healthy pregnancy for women over 35 compared to women in their 20's? You will find that there are the same as tips for a healthy pregnancy in women of all ages.

As long as you take care of your mind and body you’ll give your baby the best conditions for healthy development.

1. It starts with a preconception check-up.

2. Attend your prenatal check-ups.

3. Don't smoke, drink, or use any substances.

4. Talk to your doctor about any prescriptions.

5. Participate in an approved prenatal exercise program.

6. Maintain a healthy diet.

7. Take your prenatal vitamins regularly.

8. Get your RDA of folic acid per day.

9. Maintain a healthy pregnancy weight.

10. Practice good mental health.

11. Maintain a healthy stress level.

12. Get treatment for pre-existing health conditions.

Pregnancy after 35 and Exercise

They way you exercise during pregnancy changes to when you are not pregnant. After all, you are carrying a baby and what you do can impact on your baby's health.

Also, the way you exercise in the first trimester is different to how you exercise in your third trimester. Not to mention, there are certain dangerous exercises you must avoid.