Q&A: I’m 36 and pregnant. Am I really high risk?

Submitted by jrn Tue 01/19/2010

Congratulations on your

Submitted by Courtney on Tue, 01/19/2010 - 12:41.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Hearing the words “high risk” associated with you and your age while pregnant can be rather scary, though don’t succumb to a whirlwind of fears simply because you are 36 and pregnant as opposed to 26 and pregnant. The term “high risk” is relative to the risks associated with a pregnant woman in her 20s.

Chromosome-Related problems

Women over 35 years of age can be considered high risk during pregnancy for a number of reasons. The primary reason why women your age and older are considered high risk is that the risk of chromosome-related problems (such as Down's syndrome) increases with a woman’s age.

That being said, the likelihood of your baby having a chromosome-related birth defect or other problem is still quite low. With each and every ultrasound you have that indicates no problems, the chances of having a child with a sort of chromosome or health issue is reduced.

Amniocentesis

If you do have any concerns with the health of your fetus, you do have the option to have an “amniocentesis”. The “amnio” involves the doctor inserting a needle into your belly and withdrawing the amniotic fluid in your womb that is surrounding your baby. From there, the doctor can then perform tests and observe the fluid to rule out any chromosomal issues.

Do not jump into having an amnio, however. Amniocenteses carry a 1 in 200 chance of losing your baby, so you should only undergo this procedure if there is significant cause for concern that your child may be at risk.

How's your health?

The other risks are more related to your own personal health. Pregnant women who are in their 30s and 40s are more likely to suffer from pregnancy-related problems, such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm labor. If you are woman who was quite healthy prior to becoming pregnant, your risks of suffering from a pregnancy-related ailment are greatly reduced. If you do suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other sort of ailment, certainly do bring this to your doctor or midwife’s attention so that they can advise you of any preventative measures and warning signs to be on the look out for.

The older the mommy, the more mature and full of wisdom she is. What is most important is that you stay as stress-free as possible and enjoy the experience of being pregnant!

Support Groups

SupportGroups.com

SupportGroups.com is for individuals, friends and families who want to connect during life's challenging times. Share experiences get a helping hand in a confidential, supportive environment.

This information is solely for informational and educational purposes only. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, family planning, child psychology, marriage counseling and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care or mental health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of NaturalFamilyOnline.com or the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, application of medication or any other action involving the care of yourself or any family members which results from reading this site. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Additional information contained in our Legal Statement

Online Support Groups

SupportGroups.com provides a support network for those facing life's challenges. Click on the following links to get a helping hand in a confidential, caring environment.