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Delayed Childbearing: What Are The Long-term Health Consequences Of Late Pregnancy On A Woman's Body? Expert Decodes
Delaying pregnancy leads to various side effects in women’s bodies – most of which are dangerous for their overall health and well-being
Over the last few decades, the number of women who delay pregnancy by intention has gone up across the world. In India as well, experts say the number of mid-life pregnancies has increased in recent times with a significant jump among women over the age of 40 years. According to studies, since the average age of mothers is moving away – the shift in the motherhood period can be attributed to the current generation which is more career and education-oriented.
How the delay, according to doctors, leads to various side effects in women’s bodies – most of which are dangerous for their overall health and well-being.
What is a late pregnancy and how does it affect the fetus?
According to Dr. Sonia Golani, Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, a pregnancy is termed as late if it happens after the age of 35 years. It is when not only does it become difficult to conceive but also carries on full-term pregnancy without issues. Late pregnancy is associated with the following risks:
- Risk of miscarriages
- Risk of congenital anomalies
- Risks of developing diabetes in pregnancy
- Increased risk of caesarean section
- Risk of premature birth
- Risk of having a stillborn child
- Due to advanced age, you may have difficulty in conceiving due to low AMH levels leading to infertility and increased chances of IVF
Serious implications of delayed pregnancy on a woman’s body
Dr. Golani says a delayed pregnancy can have various issues with your vitals, a few of which include:
Cardiovascular health
“Advanced maternal age and presence of comorbid conditions like diabetes, HTN, hypercholesteremia, and presence of valvular heart disease can worsen cardiac problems,” said Dr. Golani. “A multidisciplinary approach and pre-pregnancy counselling by obstetrician and cardiologist is thus necessary for preventing and early diagnosis of cardiac problems. This will go a long way in preventing maternal morbidity and mortality,” she added.
Dr. Golani added that a few patients with severe cardiac issues are even advised to avoid pregnancy or change the medication which is safe for the mother and developing fetus before planning pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy and is more commonly seen as women age. Strict control of blood sugar levels through a proper diet and exercise is essential. Sometimes, it also needs medications to keep your blood sugar in control.
Left untreated, a baby can grow significantly larger than average on account of gestational diabetes, thereby increasing the risk of injuries during delivery.
Hypertension
According to studies, older women are prone to high blood pressure so it is important to get regular check-ups done if you are pregnant at an older age to ensure your baby is having adequate growth and development.
If you have high blood pressure during pregnancy you need more frequent visits to your obstetrician, as it may even lead to delivering the baby prematurely to avoid further complications.
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