How to Prepare for Pregnancy After 30

by Staff

In the modern world, pregnancy after 30 years is considered a common situation, and every year, it occurs more and more often. This is due to the fact that women in their 30s first build a career and only then think about the birth of their first child. A second child after 30 years is also common, often in families. The oldest child has already reached adolescence when he has a brother or sister. However, when deciding to become pregnant, it is a good idea for every woman to know about the features, possible risks, and proper preparation for pregnancy after the ages 30.

What Are the Difficulties of Pregnancy After 30?

Fertility (the ability to bear children) is an indicator that gradually decreases with age. Our age is one of the key things that affect fertility. Usually, fertility begins to decline after 30-32 years, depending on the characteristics of the woman’s body. However, this does not mean that after 30-35 years, a physiological first pregnancy without any complications is impossible. Everything is possible, and the pregnancy can go smoothly if you plan and prepare for it properly.

 

The average dependence of fertility on the age of a woman is as follows:

 

  • 25 years – 87.5% (the probability of conception within a year);
  • 30 years – 83.9% (the probability of conception within a year);
  • 35 years – 73.3% (the probability of conception within a year);
  • 40 years – 49.4% (the probability of conception within a year).

 

It is important to remember that a man’s age also affects the fetus’s likelihood of conception and intrauterine development, which are at a higher risk as well. Therefore, if any problems arise, both partners need to undergo a comprehensive medical examination. With regular sexual activity without the use of contraception in healthy men and women over 30 years of age, the chances of conception and delivering a healthy baby within 12 months remain quite high.

How to Prepare for Pregnancy Properly?

Proper preparation is the key to a happy and healthy pregnancy after 30. Older mothers

are already balanced about procreation, and some plan to give birth to a second or third child. Anyway, preparing for the upcoming pregnancy is necessary for both a woman and a man. Check the womens health, pregnancy, motherhood tips and stick to the below:

 

  • Lead a healthy lifestyle and give up bad habits. A balanced diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol – all this is necessary for the body to restore its internal resources and be ready for gestation and childbirth;
  • Take folic acid for 3 months (there are contraindications; therefore, you should talk to your doctor) before the expected pregnancy. This substance is necessary for the normal formation of the fetal nervous system, and additional intake is especially important for women over 30 years of age;
  • Find a qualified gynecologist or reproductologist with experience managing pregnant women over 30 years old and finding effective fertility treatment. It is important that the doctor understands the possible risks of such a pregnancy (e.g., risk of miscarriage), but at the same time, does not exaggerate and does everything possible for the natural course of pregnancy and childbirth. One will help in planning pregnancy, following your menstrual cycle, conducting an examination, and prescribing a competent treatment for existing gynecological diseases. One should be able to consult you on birth weights;
  • Pass a general examination of the body. Every woman planning childbirth after 30 should consult a therapist, take a general and biochemical blood test, a general urine test, as well as examine the mammary glands and check thyroid hormones. In some cases, losing weight may be necessary;
  • Screen for sexually transmitted infections. Many infections have a chronic course and practically do not manifest themselves in any way. But they can prevent the conception and bearing of a child. Both partners should be screened for such infections. It is also advisable to be examined for viral hepatitis and to know your HIV status;
  • Visit genetics. After 30 years, there is an increased risk of various chromosomal abnormalities and genetic defects in the fetus. Therefore, the couple should always consult with a geneticist, if necessary, take tests;
  • A positive attitude and a stable psycho-emotional state of future parents are very important. Therefore, in some cases (especially if there are problems with conception), a couple is recommended to work with a psychologist.

What Are the Risks?

With age, each person develops various chronic diseases, and the endurance and ability of the body to recover also decrease. The hormonal background also changes after 30 years, which carries certain risks:

 

  • In women who become pregnant after 30 years, the risks of the negative impact of pregnancy on the cardiovascular system increase. This is manifested by an increase in blood pressure and a deterioration in the condition of the walls of blood vessels (in women who gave birth after 40 years, the risk of strokes in the future increased);
  • The risk of preterm birth, spontaneous abortion, and intrauterine death of the fetus increases. It is important to have regular check-ups. And if you have any concerns, head to a doctor right away;
  • The risk of developing gestational diabetes is increased. During pregnancy, it is advisable to limit the intake of added sugar and switch to a predominantly plant-protein diet;
  • The risk of chromosomal abnormalities in a child increases. After the age of 30, the chances of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome and other genetic abnormalities are higher since the genetic material of the mother and father accumulates mutations with age.

 

Preparing for motherhood and prenatal care is one of the most important stages in a woman’s life, no matter how old she is. Try to make the pregnancy period pleasant for yourself and your soulmate. Classical music, healthy and tasty delicacies, beautiful films, a yoga subscription for pregnant women – just a small list of what you can please the expectant mother. Do not forget about prenatal vitamins, health care, and the need to be in the fresh air. The above list should serve as a guide for you.

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The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.

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