Although being pregnant is a unique
and precious moment in a woman's life, there can also be risks and
complications, particularly as a woman's age increases. Pregnancy risks (1)
differ depending on a woman's growing belly.
Pregnancy risks can increase as a woman gets older. Here is a general overview of some of the risks associated with pregnancy by age.
Pregnancy Risks by Age Chart
For
women under 35
- Miscarriage: 10-20% chance
- Ectopic pregnancy: 1-2% chance
- Gestational diabetes: 2-10% chance
- Pre-eclampsia: 5-10% chance
- High blood pressure: 5-10% chance
- Preterm labor: 8-10% chance
For
women 35-39
- Miscarriage: 20-35% chance
- Ectopic pregnancy: 2-5% chance
- Gestational diabetes: 8-18% chance
- Pre-eclampsia: 15% chance
- High blood pressure: 15% chance
- Preterm labor: 14-25% chance
For
women 40 and over
- Miscarriage: 30-50% chance
- Ectopic pregnancy: 5-10% chance
- Gestational diabetes: 18-20% chance
- Pre-eclampsia: 25% chance
- High blood pressure: 25% chance
- Preterm labor: 28-50% chance
It is important to note that these
risks are general calculations and that each pregnancy is unique. It is
consulted that women speak with their healthcare provider to discuss their
individual risks based on their medical history and other factors.
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Understanding High-risk pregnancy age
There is no specific age at which a
pregnancy is considered high-risk, as the risk fact can vary depending on the
individual woman's medical history and other medications. However, advanced
maternal age is a common risk factor for pregnancy complications.
Generally, a woman is considered to
have an "advanced maternal age" pregnancy if she is 35 years of age
or older at the time of delivery. Women in this age group may be at higher risk
for various pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes,
preeclampsia, preterm labor, and cesarean delivery. Advanced maternal age is
also linked with a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby, such
as Down syndrome.
Not all women over 35 will experience
pregnancy complications, and many women have healthy pregnancies and deliveries
at this age and beyond. The risk factors and advice for managing a high-risk
pregnancy will vary depending on the individual woman's medical history. So,
women that are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to discuss their risks
and concerns with their family doctor.
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High-risk pregnancy complications
Some common high-risk pregnancy
complications include,
1. Gestational
diabetes:
This is a type of diabetes (2)
that develops during pregnancy and can lead to high blood sugar levels in the
mother and the baby. Women who are overweight, have a family history of
diabetes, or have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy are at
higher risk.
2.
Preeclampsia:
This is a serious condition that can
develop during pregnancy and is identified by high blood pressure and damage to
organs such as the liver and kidneys. Women who are over 35, have a history of
high blood pressure, or are carrying multiples are at higher risk.
3.
Preterm labor:
This is when labor starts before 37
weeks of pregnancy and can lead to complications for the baby such as
respiratory distress syndrome, jaundice,
and infection. Women who have had a previous preterm birth, have a history of
cervical incompetence, or are carrying multiples are at higher risk.
4.
Placenta previa:
This is a condition where the placenta
covers all or part of the cervix, which can lead to bleeding and other
complications during pregnancy and delivery. Women who have had a previous
cesarean delivery or have had placenta previa in a previous pregnancy are at
higher risk.
5.
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR):
When a baby doesn't develop as quickly
as it should, it can cause a variety of issues, including low birth weight,
early delivery, and developmental disabilities. Women who suffer from illnesses
like arthritis, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia are particularly
susceptible.
Final Note
Without question, many high-risk
pregnancies can result in healthy outcomes for the mother and the unborn child
with the proper monitoring and management, and not all high-risk pregnancies
will have problems. High-risk female patients should coordinate their care with
their gynecologist to lower their risk of problems.