How late is too late for pregnancy

With career in the focus and an increase in the number of independent working women, the average age of first pregnancy has been consistently increasing over the past few decades.

Despite the fact that being pregnant at any age is not risk- free, older pregnancies are often associated with greater complications to both the mother and the baby.

While there certainly isn’t an exact number to define “How late is too late”; we consider women over 35 as “elderly/old” with regards to fertility and childbearing.

There are many reasons for doctors and parents to stress on getting pregnant at a younger age.

Fertility

While a woman can get pregnant at any time from the onset of the first period to it’s culmination at menopause, (defined as 1 year from the last period after the age of 40), there is a steady decline in her fertility or ability to conceive after the age of 30,more so in the mid and late thirties due to a rapid decline in the egg reserves.Women may take longer to get pregnant post 35yrs of age and may require assistance more often if they are unable to do so on their own.

Pregnancy

While most women are aware that an advanced maternal age is associated with genetic abnormalities in the baby, especially Down’s syndrome, there are various other issues associated with pregnancy at an advanced age.

Older mothers are more likely to have medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes prior to pregnancy.

The likelihood of developing these conditions in pregnancy increase at an advanced age along with an increased likelihood of preterm deliveries, twin pregnancies, placental complications, bleeding in pregnancy and after delivery,cesarean sections and intensive care admissions.

Newborn

An advanced maternal age is more often associated with low birth weight babies, prematurity, an increase in NICU admissions and genetic abnormalities.

Striking a balance!

While most women feel getting pregnant early on will halt their career graph, it’s important for couples to discuss the pros and cons of delaying a pregnancy with an expert.

As much as it's important for a woman to bear a child at the right age, it’s equally important for her to want to be a mother and carry on with the responsibilities that come with parenthood.

Women who decide against a pregnancy in their twenties and early thirties could discuss with their gynecologist about their egg reserves and consider freezing of eggs for the future if they foresee a considerable delay in wanting a pregnancy.However, it must be emphasised that freezing eggs may help a woman get pregnant at a later date, but it doesn’t negate her increased risks of having a complicated pregnancy in view of her advanced age.

Optimal medical care

The importance of good medical care throughout the pregnancy , regular pregnancy checks with early detection of complications and prompt action cannot be overemphasised in all pregnant women to ensure favourable outcomes in both the mother and the baby.