Pregnant At 42: Joyous, But…

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Pregnant at 42. A decade ago, this may have been considered a miracle for any woman. Today, however, infanticipating at an age beyond the big 4-0 is becoming a common occurrence. And is still considered a joyous event. Just look at celebrity moms Halle Berry, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Nicole Kidman, and Kelly Preston.

It is easy to understand how this trend of women becoming pregnant at 42 or older became part of the norm. For one, women’s lifestyle—even their whole life plan—has changed so drastically over the last 50 years. Before the mid-20th century, the only thing for a woman to do after she hits puberty is to get a bit of training on housekeeping, get married, then get babies—all before she turns 30. Over the past five decades, however, women have broadened their horizons. Women learned that they can postpone becoming wives and mothers to accomplish other things such as getting a college degree and building a career. Yes, over the years, more women simply chose not to become pregnant until she is in her 30s—and even in her 40s.

Science has also played a large part in the occurrence of women getting ...
... pregnant at 42 or even older. Scientific and technological advancements, such as nutrition realignment, hormone supplements or even in vitro fertilization, have greatly improved women’s fertility even at ages much advanced than her late teens up to mid-20s—once believed to be the peak of a woman’s reproductive health. Maternal health care also improved.

Despite these advancements, however, being pregnant at 42 or older is a risk-filled business, more so than maternity at a younger age. The risk of miscarriage is greater for older women: from only a 10 percent chance for women in their 20s to around 35 to percent for women 40 years old and above. It is also easier for complications to arise during late pregnancies because during this age more women are suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney diseases. Other health conditions can also develop during pregnancy, which can compromise the mother’s over-all health, affect the baby’s development, or cause a difficult delivery, if not death to either or both the mother and child. Women who become pregnant at a more advanced age should also be aware that the child she is carrying in her womb has a higher chance of having a birth defect, such as Down’s Syndrome.

Because of these risks, doctors are advising women who get pregnant at 42 or older to always remember that prenatal care is important for both the mommy and the baby. It is also imperative that women eat healthier and partake of a diet approved for pregnant women. They must strictly follow only the exercise routines recommended by health care providers after personal consultations. They must also avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking, and taking illegal drugs. They must also consult with doctors before taking any form of medicine to ensure that the baby is safe. Lastly, and perhaps most important for pregnant women’s peace of mind, regular prenatal tests and check-ups are essential.