In Tasmania, a 63-year-old woman had recently given birth, while in India a woman gave birth to her first child at age 70.
The questions these events raise aren’t whether these women will become suitable parents, but whether they encountered any serious complications during their pregnancy journey.
Did you know that one in 1000 births happen to women ages 45 and older?
“Women who are over 30 years are likely to suffer from high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) during pregnancy than those who are under 30s,” says a Parent Herald report.
Not only that, but the risk of gestational diabetes for these women is also higher. They have a 50% chance of giving birth via C-section.
And those in their 40s and 50s are more likely to die during pregnancy or delivery by 3 and 6 times probability.
Other pregnancy complications that they may face includes:
- Placenta praevia, a condition in which the placenta partially or wholly blocks the neck of the uterus, thus interfering with normal delivery of a baby
- Placental abruption, the separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus, especially when it occurs prematurely during pregnancy
- Pre-eclampsia, a condition in pregnancy characterised by high blood pressure, sometimes with fluid retention and proteinuria.
The chances of giving birth to a baby with Down Syndrome is also higher.
Down Syndrome screening in Singapore — Ultrasound scans and blood tests can help assess if your unborn child may have Down Syndrome.
Baby Centre provides the probability for it:
- Age 20: one in 1,500
- Age 30: one in 900
- Age 40: one in 100
- Age 45: one in 50 or greater
Childbirth and delivery will also be much more difficult experience for them, some of the reasons for it include: baby’s awkward position at birth, an increased risk of fetal distress, and longer hours of labour.
Although pregnancy later in life does cause some concerns for women, most medical practitioners have had enough experience to help an older woman deliver her baby without a hitch.
Often they would advise women in labour to relax and not let thoughts of not being able to deliver the baby bother them.
If you are one of these women faced with this challenge, WebMD offers these tips to help you overcome this experience.
- Get preconception checkups and counselling
- Get early and regular prenatal care
- Consider optional prenatal tests
- Keep up with doctor appointments
- Maintain a healthy-well balanced diet
- Gain the recommended amount of weight
- Exercise regularly
- Don’t smoke or drink
