Pregnancy After Age 35: Care Instructions

Overview

A pregnancy in which you're 35 or older on your due date is also called a pregnancy of advanced maternal age. You're likely to have a healthy baby. But a pregnancy at this age has a greater risk for problems than one at a younger age. These problems include preterm birth and preeclampsia. They also include gestational diabetes, problems with the placenta, and genetic problems.

Most of these problems can't be prevented. But finding problems early can help your doctor know how to work with you to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible. This is why your doctor will want to check you for diabetes. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure and urine at every visit. High blood pressure and protein in urine are signs of preeclampsia.

You can decide if you want to have tests to find out if your fetus has certain genetic problems, such as Down syndrome. Fetus is the medical term for a baby before birth.

There are many things you can't control about pregnancy. But there is a lot you can do to help you have a healthy pregnancy. Do your best to eat well. And try to get plenty of exercise and rest.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Talk with your doctor about prenatal screening tests. These can help find Down syndrome and other possible problems.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. And choose foods that are good sources of calcium, iron, and folate. You can try dark leafy greens, fortified orange juice and cereals, almonds, broccoli, dried fruit, and beans.
• Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan. You may enjoy walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga.
• Make sure that you get enough folic acid. Folic acid helps prevent some birth defects, especially if you take it before you get pregnant. Your doctor will tell you how much you need. You can take folic acid pills.
• Take your prenatal vitamins.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can lead to contractions. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, or home remedies.
• Do not drink alcohol or use marijuana or other drugs. They can be harmful to your baby. If you need help with quitting, talk to your doctor.
• Do not smoke or vape. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.