Getting pregnant at the age of 35 was once considered an old age pregnancy. However, it is not the same anymore. Nevertheless, there are some complications associated with getting pregnant at the age of thirty five or over. They are:

High Blood Pressure:
If an older woman gets pregnant, she is very likely to develop cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. If you are an over 35 pregnant, your doctor can help you get rid of these controllable conditions.

Fetal Distress:
When a woman gets pregnant for the first time at the age of 35 or older, prolonged labor and fetal distress are more likely with her.

Down syndrome:
While this is not preventable, it can be identified before birth during a prenatal examination. This incidence increases from one in ten thousand for 20 year old mothers to approximately three in one thousand for 35 year old mothers and one in hundred for 40 year old mothers. This high rate of Down syndrome for older mothers may be because of the fact that an older woman’s eggs have been exposed to more infections, drugs, and x-rays as compared to the eggs of a younger woman.

Miscarriage:
This risk of miscarriage in pregnant women who are 40 years of age is approximately 25 percent.

Cesarean Birth:
Mothers-to-be who are over 35 commonly deliver through cesarean or surgical delivery.

Placenta Previa:
Placenta previa has the potential for causing excessive bleeding to older women during their pregnancies.

Tips for Older Mothers-to-be:
Despite all of the potential risk factors for an older mom-to-be, the number of success pregnancies to mothers over 35 has increased. The reason for that is taking great strides forward of the older moms themselves in improving their chances of having a baby. An older woman can get pregnant and successfully deliver a baby if she:

• makes sure that she follows a healthy diet plan
• ensures that she receives optimal prenatal care
• be sure to get a proper amount of exercise before during and after their pregnancies