Risks in pregnancy at an advanced age
Are the risks associated with pregnancy at an advanced age a factor to take into account?
Spanish society, and with it the Spanish mentality, has changed dramatically in recent decades. These changes, both economic, social, and cultural, have impacted many areas, including the reproductive sphere. More and more women are delaying the decision to become mothers. In fact, The average age of first birth in Spain is 30,8 years, the highest in the entire EU.
Motherhood at an advanced age has thus become a social phenomenon of growing importance in gynecological consultations. More and more women are They go to the specialist for advice. Which will be key when it comes to avoid the risks associated with late motherhood.
Risks in pregnancy at an advanced age
Starting at age 35-40, the likelihood of both the fetus and the mother experiencing health problems during and after pregnancy increases. Let's look at the most common ones:
Increased risk of miscarriage
– 35% between 40-45 years old.
– 45% from the age of 45.
Caused primarily by errors in the chromosomal division of oocytes (meiosis). But also by fibroids, multiple sclerosis, advanced paternal age, and so on.
Increased risk of genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome
– At age 40, in 1 in every 105 pregnancies the embryo has Down syndrome.
– At 44, 1 in every 35 embryos.
– At 49, 1 in every 12 embryos.
However, there are tests available to specialists to diagnose this alteration before giving birth. For example, screening methods of the first trimester, chorionic biopsy, amniocentesis or chromosomal study of maternal blood.
Increased risk of diabetes and hypertension
Although diabetes and hypertension can develop throughout pregnancy, a comprehensive evaluation is recommended before a woman becomes pregnant. The goal is to diagnose and treat these conditions to prevent them from worsening during pregnancy.
Increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight
There is no scientific evidence of sufficient rigor to affirm that pregnancy at an advanced age increases premature births or affects the baby's birth weight.
Higher rate of labor inductions and cesarean sections
Complications such as preeclampsia or low birth weight cause the rate of labor induction to be higher in late-term pregnancies.
On the other hand, there will be a greater risk of Caesarean section due to the increase in cases of fetal malposition, fetal distress, placenta previa...
It will also condition:
- lower tolerance to labor,
- Reduction in myometrial contractility. (Although subtle, it will be significant enough)
- and the decrease in joint flexibility in new mothers from the age of 40.
Higher neonatal and perinatal mortality
The increased risk of both conditions is almost always associated with other factors that complicate pregnancy, rather than the woman's age.
Higher maternal mortality
Although this figure is four times higher than that recorded for women aged 30, the absolute value of the figures is actually quite low.
For its prevention, the ideal is to have children before the age of 35. But, if this is not possible, an option that is becoming more and more widespread is egg freezing. Although we must not forget that pregnancies after the age of 35, and especially after 40, carry the same risks of diseases such as:
- diabetes,
- the hypertension
- or prematurity.
By freezing embryos, the only risks that would decrease would be the number of miscarriages and genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.
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If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a professional expert in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized unit in this area. You can request more information by calling the following numbers: 91 387 51 72/73/74 or make an appointment for an in-person consultation, always with the best specialists.