X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

Mature Pregnancy: Pregnant Over 35

4 min read

Mature Pregnancy: Pregnant Over 35

When a woman gets pregnant when aged 35 or above, the pregnancy is referred to as a mature pregnancy. They face the risk of serious complications that makes pregnancy a high-risk endeavor. The risk is more pronounced in older first time mothers.

Read: The grace of waiting: pregnant after 10 years of infertility

As women enter their thirties, they may experience a rapid decline in fertility. As ovulation becomes less frequent, the quality of eggs becomes poorer, and the size and number of eggs decrease. Increased chances of miscarriages and labor complications, such as fetal distress and emergency c-section, are possibilities that older mothers should be aware of.

Having a baby with Down Syndrome or other birth defects is also a common risk in getting pregnant in your late 30's. Charting the data from this Verywell article on "Maternal Age-Related Risks for Down Syndrome and Other Trisomies", we see the sharp increase begin in the late thirties.

Screen Shot 2016-04-06 at 10.54.05 AM

From 1 in 1000 at the age of 29, the risk goes up to 1 in 137 ten years later, at the age of 39. Despite the dramatic risk increase, it is worthwhile to note that a great number of women over the age of 35 go through their pregnancy without incident.

See helpful tips to prevent complications for mature pregnancies on the next page.

Partner Stories
Nakakabahalang stretch mark habang nagbubuntis: Ano ang mabisang pantanggal ng stretch mark?
Nakakabahalang stretch mark habang nagbubuntis: Ano ang mabisang pantanggal ng stretch mark?
Drinking Milk During Pregnancy: Is It Really Necessary?
Drinking Milk During Pregnancy: Is It Really Necessary?
Meals and Snacks Perfect for the Third Trimester
Meals and Snacks Perfect for the Third Trimester
Mommy Meals: A Comprehensive Meal Plan for a Healthy Pregnancy
Mommy Meals: A Comprehensive Meal Plan for a Healthy Pregnancy

Medical science has advanced allowing women over the age of 35 generally have safer pregnancies. However, the pregnant older woman must always be aware of these risks and be active in preventing complications. Here are some things the expectant mother can do:

  • See your doctor early in the process. Select the doctor who will guide you through the process even before you start working on getting pregnant. Look for one who specializes on mature pregnancies. His or her wealth of experience in this area will give you the security you need to carry and deliver the baby stress-free. It is also wise to consult with a fertility specialist to know what options are there aside from natural conception.
  • Eat healthy and maintain a regular exercise regimen. Lose weight if necessary. Being overweight can lead to complications in the pregnancy, so it's best to be at your healthiest before and while you have a bun in the oven. Have a doctor-approved exercise regimen to keep your body in good shape and in proper condition to carry your child.
  • Quit unhealthy vices like smoking and excessive intake of alcohol. Go cold turkey and say goodbye to these vices months before your planned pregnancy. If your partner smokes, it is also wise to have him quit the habit to prevent secondhand effects on you.
  • Check for and manage other existing health conditions. High blood pressure, diabetes, and other ailments are more likely in older women. Prior to getting pregnant, check for these conditions so you can manage them before and during the pregnancy.
  • Follow doctor's orders to the letter. Do not take any instruction for granted. Take the proper medication doses, even if it's just a vitamin. If you want to take anything in conjunction with what what your doctor has prescribed, consult with him or her first.
  • Check travel and work plans with your doctor. The stress of work projects and travel can affect the baby's health and development adversely. Make sure to discuss these major plans with your doctor to ensure proper measures are taken to protect you and your unborn child.

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

ddc-calendar
Get ready for the baby’s arrival by adding your due date.
OR
Calculate your due date
img
Written by

theAsianparent Philippines

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Pregnancy
  • /
  • Mature Pregnancy: Pregnant Over 35
Share:
  • Melasma pregnancy: Signs and treatment of melasma during pregnancy

    Melasma pregnancy: Signs and treatment of melasma during pregnancy

  • Green vaginal discharge: Different color of vaginal discharge and what does it mean

    Green vaginal discharge: Different color of vaginal discharge and what does it mean

  • Swollen feet pregnancy: 6 home remedies for pedal edema during pregnancy

    Swollen feet pregnancy: 6 home remedies for pedal edema during pregnancy

  • Melasma pregnancy: Signs and treatment of melasma during pregnancy

    Melasma pregnancy: Signs and treatment of melasma during pregnancy

  • Green vaginal discharge: Different color of vaginal discharge and what does it mean

    Green vaginal discharge: Different color of vaginal discharge and what does it mean

  • Swollen feet pregnancy: 6 home remedies for pedal edema during pregnancy

    Swollen feet pregnancy: 6 home remedies for pedal edema during pregnancy

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pagbubuntis.