More women are having babies later in life

Absolutely. Being pregnant later in life can certainly pose some challenges, but it's important to note that the risks are generally low and most older moms have normal pregnancies.

As an OB-GYN myself who had my first child at 37 and my second at 39, I can attest to the fact that being pregnant later in life can be more challenging on your body. Fatigue is a common issue, and there are certain complications to watch out for. However, with proper care and attention, it's usually going to be fine.

In fact, according to a federal report, the number of births in the US to women 35 and older has increased significantly over the past few decades. In 1990, only 9% of all births were to women in this age group, but by 2023, that figure had risen to 21%.

This 'advanced maternal age' does raise risks for both moms and babies, as older pregnant women are more likely to have conditions like high blood pressure and obesity, and are more prone to developing pregnancy complications. They're also more likely to undergo cesarean sections and give birth to twins or babies with some genetic abnormalities.

However, it's important not to be too worried. While the risks may be higher than average, they're generally low, and there are ways to lower the risk and prevent problems before, during, and after pregnancy.

Moms over 35 can still have a healthy pregnancy and a happy baby

It's absolutely true that moms over 35 can still have a healthy pregnancy and a happy baby. As Dr. Michael Warren, chief medical and health officer for the March of Dimes, says, 'There are ways to lower the risk and prevent problems before, during, and after pregnancy.'

One of the most important things is to get as healthy as you can before getting pregnant. As Dr. Ashley Zink, a maternal-fetal specialist at the University of Texas Southwestern, puts it, optimizing your health is like 'building your baby's first home.' This involves following the time-honored advice of eating a well-balanced diet, staying active, and avoiding risky behaviors like smoking.

Dr. Warren adds that it's important to make sure those good health habits that you've established over the course of your life are still in place. If you have chronic diseases, make sure they're well-managed. Make sure you're getting regular preventive medical care.

It's also a good idea to get a checkup before trying to conceive, as this allows you to discuss health concerns, get treated for any conditions that might affect your pregnancy, and make sure you're up to date on vaccinations.
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In conclusion, while being pregnant later in life can pose some challenges, it's important to remember that the risks are generally low and most older moms have normal pregnancies. By taking steps to optimize your health before getting pregnant and receiving regular prenatal care during pregnancy, you can lower the risk and ensure a happy and healthy baby.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.