alt_textAge and pregnancy | Momkidcare
EDUCATION CORNER
    Ovulation Calculator

    Age and pregnancy

    Age is one of the most important factors and the topic of debate in pregnancy. Getting pregnant is a matter of your choice but there are drawbacks at each age. It all depends on your lifestyle and how you have maintained yourself. Your personality can’t be neglected after all it beat all the odds and help you to have a healthy and happy pregnancy. In today's world of a sedentary lifestyle, age is one of the most overlooked factors by couples when it comes to pregnancy. For couples, there can be many reasons why life gets in the way of planning a family. Not having a settled career, housing, finances, travel, not feeling prepared, whatever the reason, many couples think that it’s just not the perfect time to have a baby.


    Let’s discuss pregnancy at different ages:


    1.Pregnancy < 18 years

    2.Pregnancy in age 18-35 years

    3.Pregnancy in age 35-45 years

    Pregnancy < 18 years


    Pregnancy under the age of 20 is called teenage pregnancy. Although having a baby in 20s have all the advantages as these are the most fertile years but there can be some difficulties too due to physical as well as mental immaturity. 


    Risks, Complications, and Effects of teenage pregnancy are: 

    • Pre-eclampsia & Eclampsia
    • Premature rupture of membrane
    • Higher chances of abortion
    • Intrauterine growth restriction
    • Premature birth
    • Low birth weight 
    • Postpartum depression


    Teen parents, especially teenage mothers are also at higher risk for STD, may feel alone and neglected and can also have suicidal thoughts. 


    Pregnancy in age 18-35 years


    Nowadays pregnancy between 18 and 35 years of age is considered appropriate as the couple becomes physically and mentally mature and financially stable. This age group also gives ample time to the couple to understand each other well before starting a family. 


    Advantages of pregnancy between 18-35 years: 

    • Minimum risk of complications like gestational diabetes or hypertension
    • Increase chances of conception
    • Chances of miscarriages are less
    • Body regain their shape pretty soon
    • Baby is less prone to abnormalities like down syndrome
    • Early pregnancy lowers the risk of breast cancer 


    Pregnancy in age 35-45 years


    Pregnancy after 35 is possible but as the fertility decreases, there will be difficulty in conception. Also, there can be some complications and risks of pregnancy after 35 to mother as well as an unborn baby.


    Risks for mothers: 

    • Miscarriage
    • Spontaneous abortion
    • Ectopic pregnancy
    • Gestational diabetes
    • Pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-related high blood pressure)
    • Higher chances of C- section


    Risks for babies: 

    • Birth defects
    • Stillbirth
    • Premature birth
    • Low birth weight
    • Chromosomal abnormalities


    Reference 


    https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Having-a-Baby-After-Age-35-How-Aging-Affects-Fertility-and-Pregnancy?IsMobileSet=false#how ---- (Pregnancy in age 35-45 years)





    Frequently Asked Questions

    Hyperlink to “Risks for pregnancy < 18 years[1] ”


     Hyperlink with above section Risks of Pregnancy (18 Years)

    Yes, a healthy baby can be delivered in teenage pregnancy by adopting the following: 

    • Get proper prenatal medical care 
    • Make frequent visits to the doctor
    • Eat a healthy and balanced diet 
    • Avoid alcohol and smoking 
    • Stay away from all type of drugs


    Hyperlink to “Pregnancy in age 35-45 years[1] ”


     Hyperlink to “Pregnancy in age 35-45 years”

    Although it is a personal choice of the couple, the window of 20 to 35 years of age is considered appropriate for pregnancy.

    • Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet. 
    • Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
    • Exercise regularly. 
    • Take a folic acid supplement.
    • Stay away from smoke, drugs, and alcohol.
    • Go for a pre-natal check-up