Being a Mom After Age 35

Even if you're over 35, your pregnancy can be completely normal. You just have to take into account some recommendations that could help reduce the risks.

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you think you can’t be a mom after age 35. That’s so not true! The majority of women who have kids at this age experience completely normal pregnancies. So, find out in this article what extra precautions you should consider before becoming pregnant. Read on!

The age and maturity you will have when it’s time to raise your child have a huge influence on their development and childhood. Actually, many women decide to become new moms at older ages. Although the biological ideal age is around 25 years old, the lifestyle of the modern woman has pushed motherhood back in recent years.

It is true that getting pregnant after the age of 35 is difficult and is even related to high risks at the time of delivery, as pointed out in this study published in the Chilean Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. However, regular medical check-ups help to have a healthy pregnancy.

Meanwhile, there are many advantages to being a mom after age 35. For example, you’re more likely to have reached a financially stable position that will make you feel happier during maternity.

What You Should Know About Being a Mom After Age 35

At 35, you probably have a lifestyle that’s healthier and where you better understand what your body needs. Additionally, you understand the importance of preparing your body for carrying a little life inside of it for 9 months. 

Therefore, you will take the physical preparation and nutrition more seriously that you should follow during pregnancy.

Different studies have shown that women at this age tolerate the symptoms of pregnancy better, like heartburn, the frequent need to go to the bathroom, and morning sickness, but, for the moment, there is not enough scientific evidence to confirm this.

However, you should know that after 35 years, your fertility considerably decreases, about 50% less than when you were 20. The amount of eggs isn’t the only thing affected. You also have a higher possibility of having a fetus with alterations in its chromosomes. This is evidenced by this information published in Acta Médica Grupo Ángeles.

Women over 35 have a higher possibility of having the following complications during childbirth:

• Require epidural anesthesia 
• Have induced childbirth
• Diagnosis of fetal distress
• Use of forceps or suction cups for childbirth
• Require a cesarean section

Keep Medical Considerations in Mind

Women older than 35 are less fertile, therefore conceiving can be a big headache for you. However, you always have the option of consulting your doctor’s methods to help you get pregnant.

Being a mom after 35 years old can bring different complications during pregnancy, as pointed out in an article published in Hacia la promoción de la salud:

• High blood pressure
• Premature birth
• Present problems in the placenta
• Suffer from gestational diabetes
• Kidney stones and renal colics
• Higher possibility of stillbirth

Additionally, women over 35 have chronic health problems more frequently than young women. Therefore, if you suffer from a chronic illness or take long-term medication, it’s important that you consult your doctor for their advice or to change your medication.

You’re Still Young Enough to Have a Baby

Who says you’re too old to be a mom? Maternity is a time that you should enjoy. Having and raising a child is one of the most gratifying experiences that you will have. Don’t let what society says limit your desire to be a mom.

Your more than three decades of life have made you a mature woman with lots of experience, capable of facing any challenge that you could encounter in motherhood. Additionally, you still have enough energy to take care of and raise your baby. It’s important that you fulfill your personal goals before having kids. This way, you’ll have more time for your children.

Enjoy Your Future Motherhood if All Is Well with Your Health

Although the risks of being a mom after age 35 might scare you, medical prevention is key for a risk-free pregnancy. As long as you follow your doctors’ recommendations and go to your regular medical checkups, you have nothing to worry about.
In the first place, it’s important to go to preconception counseling. This will assure you that you’re healthy before becoming pregnant. During this checkup, it’s important to talk to your doctor about:

• Your family medical history
• The family medical history of your partner
• Vaccinations you don’t have
• Medications you take
• Medications your partner takes
• Health problems that you have or have had
• Health problems that your partner has or has had

With this information, your doctor could detect hereditary medical problems that could affect the fetus and will give you better treatment to eliminate them. Additionally, if you take medication for congenital diseases, your doctor might change it with something safer for pregnancy.

Adoption is a Good Alternative

As we’ve mentioned, at 35, you aren’t as fertile as before. However, if you really want to be a mother, you can consider the possibility of adopting a child. Adoption consists of giving a child to a family that wants one.

The desire of being a mom should be your main motivation when it’s time to adopt. Don’t let your emotions overwhelm you. Adoption is a decision that you should make with your partner.

Conclusion

Although getting older might be an obstacle for getting pregnant, it’s possible to be a mom after 35 years old and have a healthy baby. It’s important that you don’t skip any checkups and that you’re very meticulous with your doctor’s recommendations.

Remember to follow a balanced diet. Avoid refined sugar and reduce your consumption of fat. Increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in fiber.

Although it sounds more complicated than it is, do everything you can to prevent stress. Do some exercises like yoga to relax. Anxiety can be a cause of female infertility.

Additionally, if you don’t get pregnant, don’t lose hope. Talk with your partner about the possibility of considering other medical methods, including adoption.