EBN- Getting pregnant at the age of forty is not impossible. However, the experience may not be as easy as for women who get pregnant at a younger age, because getting pregnant at an older age may increase the risk of some pregnancy complications such as miscarriage.
The risk of miscarriage for pregnant women over the age of forty may reach 70 percent, with the risk of the fetus being affected by some birth defects. According to the Healthline website, here is how to maintain a healthy pregnancy at the age of forty.
Is pregnancy at the age of forty dangerous?
It is still possible to get pregnant after the age of 40. In addition, women who become pregnant when they are over 40 are at greater risk of pregnancy complications, including:
gestational diabetes ,
Placenta previa,
premature birth,
Low birth weight (LBW),
Cesarean section,
Preeclampsia,
Death of a child at birth (stillbirth),
Abortion.
How to maintain pregnancy at 40
To avoid many complications, there are many things you can do to maintain pregnancy. Below are a number of ways to maintain pregnancy at the age of 40 and above so that the mother and fetus remain healthy.
Routine pregnancy tests
This is to ensure that the pregnant woman is able to cope with childbirth, the postpartum period and breastfeeding, as well as to restore her reproductive health well. This examination consists of a physical examination, blood test and ultrasound examination to identify problems that may occur during pregnancy.
For example, if you have diabetes, it is important to control your blood sugar levels. If a pregnant woman is overweight, her doctor will recommend losing weight immediately to reduce the risk of complications. You can also discuss some pregnancy issues with your doctor, including how to maintain the pregnancy, birth plans, or other concerns.
Healthy diet
During pregnancy, the mother’s nutritional needs increase, and if nutritional needs during pregnancy are not properly met, the mother is at risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies .
Therefore, the ways to maintain pregnancy over the age of forty when the mother is over 40 years old is to eat healthy foods.
You should also not give in to your cravings, especially if the food you want to eat contains high levels of sugar and fat, such as cakes, cookies, ice cream or chocolate. Eating sweet foods can increase the risk of developing prediabetes or even diabetes.
Take folic acid supplements
You can also take additional supplements as a way to maintain pregnancy at 40. These supplements usually contain folic acid, iron, and calcium.
Folic acid , or vitamin B9, helps prevent birth defects related to the spinal cord and brain, including spina bifida. It is also a nutrient that helps in the development of the fetus, especially for mothers who decide to become pregnant after the age of forty. Taking folic acid is especially important for pregnant women who are at risk of pregnancy complications. Therefore, doctors may usually prescribe high doses of folic acid, which mothers need to take three months before or when they start planning to become pregnant.
On the other hand, if you suffer from certain diseases and take medications regularly, you should consult a doctor because not all medications are safe for pregnant women.
Usual activities
Although getting enough rest is required during pregnancy, a pregnant woman should not stay in bed without medical reasons, regardless of her age. Instead, she should continue to do normal activities as usual, when the mother is over 40 years old.
If a pregnant woman does not do any activities, her immune system will become weak, and she may be more susceptible to many different diseases.
On the other hand, pregnant women who are sedentary are more likely to suffer from obesity and high blood pressure.
You may be interested in learning about steps to balance pregnancy symptoms with home and work activities.
