2006-09-09 22:03:39 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
my class did a study on children with intelletual disabilities. based on demographic data, only 1 out of 16 mothers was aged over 40, the rest are aged between 21 - 35. this cannot in any way generalize that children with disabilities are born to mothers within that age bracket, but it partly dispels the notion that pregnancy at an advanced age is too risky.
disabling/handicapping conditions have a lot of causes, no matter the age of the mother. some of which are: alcohol, smoking, elevated/toxic levels of metal in the body like lead and mercury (ingested or inhaled), side effect of medicines, etc.
2006-09-10 01:01:09 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As women age, their eggs do not divide as well, and genetic problems can occur. The most common genetic disorder is Down syndrome -- mental retardation and defects of the heart and other organs. While the risk is still relatively low, it does go up significantly at age 35 and older.
Pregnancy loss also increases with advancing age.
Complications of labor and delivery that are seen more frequently in women over 40.
Although the risks associated with pregnancy after 40 are numerous and sometimes unavoidable, there are several strategies that women over 40 can use to reduce these risks.
1. The idea is to be as healthy as you can BEFORE you get pregnant.
2. If you smoke, quit. Avoid alcohol.
3. Eat well, take folic acid to lower risk of birth defects.
4. Exercise regularly.
5. See your doctor regularly.
With all the advances in medical care and technology, it is safer today than ever before for most women in later age to become pregnant.
2006-09-09 22:18:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, if everyone involved is healthy then it should be fine. Recently a 60 something year old women gave birth to a healthy baby.
However, the older you get, the greater chances you have of birth defect, especially ones like down syndrome.
2006-09-09 22:07:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As age goes up so does risk to both mom and fetus,but with close monitoring and an amnio her chances of delivering a healthy baby are very good.
2006-09-09 22:09:56 · answer #4 · answered by Purple Dawn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
any birth afte rthe age 35 is considered risky. But just take it easy.. go to the Dr. frequently.. and refrain form picking up heavy objects. more than likely everything will be just fine :o)
2006-09-09 22:10:02 · answer #5 · answered by cre8tive1ne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. But the doctor will closely monitor throughout the pregancy.
But women that age have successfully had babies without any problems.
2006-09-09 22:07:41 · answer #6 · answered by fullofsunshine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mom gave me birth when she was 38 and there weren't any problems. As for going regularly to a doctor, every pregnant woman should do that, no matter how old she is.
2006-09-09 22:13:27 · answer #7 · answered by ralu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All pregnancy's have risks. At your age the risks are greater. Get to a doctor right away to be monitored.
2006-09-09 22:10:11 · answer #8 · answered by Pat C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't worry about to much its good for got pargnant yeah one of my fathers firends wife was get a pragnant for second baby the baybe and mother so halthy now, their so happy .
2006-09-09 22:07:05 · answer #9 · answered by Abdumalik A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
many pregnancys contain a risk..... the older the woman is the higher the risk, depending on the woman's family helth history and the father's as well
2006-09-09 22:34:18 · answer #10 · answered by Kittie_Nash 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋