Women aged 35 or older are just as concerned about prenatal care as their younger counterparts. Since pregnant women over 35 face many risks that younger pregnant women don't, prenatal care is even more crucial. If you want to start a family but are concerned about pregnancy risks, consult the guide below.

What to Know About Pregnancy After Age 35

Risks and Benefits

Trying to get pregnant at age 35 or older can take longer, as the female body has a finite number of eggs. Women are born with all of their eggs, which naturally decrease in quantity and quality with age. Other risks associated with pregnancies later in life from lower-quality eggs include labor complications that can result in cesarean sections, premature births, low birth weights, miscarriages and stillbirths, hypertension, and chromosomal defects that cause Down's syndrome and similar conditions. The risk of gestational diabetes also increases with age, which can contribute to high blood pressure and cause abnormally-large fetuses that require c-sections. 

However, there are many advantages to having babies later in life, such as being settled with work and housing. Older moms often have funds to provide their children with more resources, including extracurricular activities that help them become well-rounded adults. 

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy 

To enjoy a healthy pregnancy when you are 35 or older, schedule prenatal care services immediately. Routine exams and birth defect testing ensure the fetus is developing at a healthy rate, with OB-GYN doctors providing pregnancy tips specific to your wellness needs. It also helps to continue exercising, which contributes to overall health and helps prepare your body for labor because you’ll have more stamina and strength.

Maintaining a healthy diet full of nutrients that support fetal health, including those with sufficient calcium and vitamin A, promotes pregnancy success. Calcium contributes to strong fetal bone, muscle, and hormonal development, while vitamin A helps prevent preterm birth. 

If you are pregnant or wish to become so, make an appointment with Advanced OB-GYN Services. With locations in St. Peters and Bridgeton, MO, this OB-GYN center offers compassionate prenatal care services that help pregnant women thrive. They also offer 24/7 on-call services for existing patients. Call (636) 928-1800 for St. Peters or dial (314) 291-2140 for Bridgeton. Learn more about prenatal care services online.