Author｜ Guobaorou
Source｜Medical World Obstetrics and Gynecology Channel
We often hear that having children after 35 carries many risks. In reality, there's no perfect number to define the ideal reproductive age. Everyone's situation is different.
As society changes, more and more women are having their own children at the age of 40, or having a second child.
So, what should I pay attention to if I'm 40 years old and want to get pregnant and have a healthy baby?
Fertility
One of the biggest obstacles to getting pregnant at 40 is fertility.
According to the UK Human Fertility and Embryology Authority's "Infertility Guidelines," a woman's fertility at age 35 is only 50% of what it was at age 25, and by age 40 it drops to 50% of what it was at age 35.
Big data shows that one-third of women over 35 seek assisted reproductive technology (ART), and this number increases with age. By age 40, 50% of women need ART.
So how do you initially determine whether you need external assistance?
If you are over 35 years old and have not used any contraception for six months with regular sexual activity but have not conceived, you should seek professional help promptly.
Among these factors, the quality of the egg is of paramount importance. As women age, the quality of their eggs steadily declines. The number of oocytes decreases significantly, mitochondrial function deteriorates, and cellular oxidative damage worsens, leading to decreased pregnancy rates and increased miscarriage rates.
It's important to note that men also face these risks. Studies have found that male fertility declines slightly between the ages of 35 and 39, and decreases by approximately 21%-23% annually after age 39. Therefore, don't assume that age has no impact on men; even those over 40 are at risk of complications such as poor embryonic development, increased miscarriage rates, and other negative effects.
So how can we improve fertility?
First, both partners need to pay attention to their diet, environment, and lifestyle, quit smoking and drinking, maintain good living habits, and reduce stress. Second, after a specialist doctor assesses that pregnancy is possible, they should start supplementing with preconception vitamins such as folic acid in a timely manner.
Body changes
Pregnancy causes many changes in the body, such as pregnancy reactions, muscle changes, and mood swings. Compared to women in their twenties and thirties, women over 40 face greater physiological challenges when they become pregnant.
Therefore, a strong physique is essential for having a baby. Strengthening your body through exercise and increasing physical activity before pregnancy is beneficial. Swimming, walking, and yoga are all good forms of exercise.
Risk of complications
Pregnancy in one's 40s carries a higher risk of complications, such as premature birth, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, low birth weight, and the risk of cesarean section. Furthermore, the risk of genetic disorders increases. According to the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 100 women aged 40 will give birth to a baby with Down syndrome, a probability of 1%. By age 49, this number rises to 10%.
Therefore, it is essential to take basic precautions such as pre-pregnancy checkups and prenatal examinations, and to communicate medical history with doctors in a timely manner to reduce the risk of complications and manage them as early as possible.
Of course, having children after 40 is not without its advantages. If you have a stable career and sufficient financial resources, then having children at this time may be the icing on the cake.
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