Pregnant at a later age – Midwives Lelystad

What you need to know – A Blog by Midwives Lelystad

Having a child is a special event, no matter your age. But what if you 35 already passedIn common parlance we then speak of a pregnancy on later in life. What does this mean exactly and what should you pay attention to? In this blog we discuss the most important aspects and give you valuable information so that you can make a conscious choice. Midwives Lelystad is ready to support you on this special journey.

What is late-life pregnancy?

Officially, a pregnancy is considered 'at a later age' considered as you 35 years or older are at the time you become pregnant. This is because fertility usually decreases after this age and the chance of certain complications during pregnancy increases slightly. However, it is important to emphasize that many women over the age of 35 An healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby to get.

The facts in a row

The average age at which women in the Netherlands have their first child has increased in recent decades. In 1970 was this average 24 years, while this in 2021 has risen to 30.3 yearsFor highly educated women, this age is on average even higher, around 33 yearsThis shows that a Pregnancy at a later age is becoming more normal is becoming.

Benefits of Getting Pregnant Later in Life

Getting pregnant at a later age has several advantages:

• More stable relationship – Women often have more stable relationships.
• Financial security – Often a more solid financial basis.
• Conscious choice – Parenthood is often a conscious choice.
• Fewer social and emotional problems in children – Research shows that children of older parents often more confident are.

Challenges of pregnancy at a later age

Besides the benefits, there are also some challenges associated with a pregnancy at a later age:

• Reduced fertility – The chance of pregnancy decreases with age.
• Increased risk of a miscarriage – Especially from 38 years this risk increases.
• Gestational diabetes and high bloodpressure occur more often.
• Increased risk of a chromosomal abnormality as it Down syndrome.

Bee Midwives Lelystad we guide you in every stage of your pregnancy and we will help you with any risks and questions.

Fertility and age

The decline in fertility is mainly due to the quality and quantity of the egg cells. Women are born with about a million eggs, but this number decreases over the years. After 35 years no new eggs are produced and the quality may decrease, which affects the chance of pregnancy.

What can you do yourself?

Although you can't stop the biological clock, you can optimize your fertility:

• Healthy lifestyle – Eat healthy, exercise enough and avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Folic acid swallow – Start this at least one month before conception.
• Early advice – Discuss your desire to have children with your GP or midwife.

Examinations during pregnancy

There are several tests available to check the health of your baby:

• NIPT test – A blood test that can detect chromosomal abnormalities.
• Chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis – Detailed investigations in case of increased risk.

It is important to be well informed about these studies and the associated risks. Midwives Lelystad We are happy to help you with this.

Getting pregnant during perimenopause

Most women reach the transition between end 40 and early 50, but in the perimenopause pregnancy is still possible. Because the menstrual cycle in this phase more irregular becomes, it may be more difficult to become pregnant. The chance of miscarriage increases, but pregnancy is still possible with the right medical supervision.

Pregnant at a later age: A conscious choice

Getting pregnant after your 35th is a conscious choice with both advantages and disadvantages. It is important to be well informed about the possible risks and complications, but also to realize that many women over 35 have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby to have.

Midwives Lelystad are ready for you

Bee Midwives Lelystad we understand that as a future mother you may have questions and uncertainties at a later age. We are happy to guide you through this special period, with personal attention and expert advice.

Would you like more information or an introductory meeting? Feel free to contact us!

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Take care of yourself and your little one!

With kind regards,
Midwives Lelystad

Midwives Lelystad
Address: Badweg 21, 8223 PA Lelystad
Telephone: 06 53 65 91 91