Pregnant at 40. Advantages and risks

Currently, women increasingly delay motherhood. Although for biological reasons the ideal age for being a mother is still between 20 and 30 years old, there are few women who, due to studies, work, economic and personal issues, consider themselves to be mothers in this age group. That is why it is n

Currently, women increasingly delay motherhood. Although for biological reasons the ideal age for being a mother is still between 20 and 30 years old, there are few women who, due to studies, work, economic and personal issues, consider themselves to be mothers in this age group. That is why it is not strange to meet new mothers after the 40, a circumstance that has its pros and cons.

Advantages of being a mother at 40

They say that being a mother past the age of 40 lengthens life by that energy that gives you to have a baby to love and care for. Although this is not scientifically proven, it is true that we are talking about a decision, that of becoming pregnant that has been more meditated and for which all vital factors have been taken into account. Therefore, a new mother at 40 is much more prepared to be a mother.

Nor can we forget that if a woman has waited until that age to get pregnant, she probably already has job, sentimental and emotional stability, so she is more prepared to face all the unexpected events that the arrival of the baby supposes. Getting pregnant at 40 is undeniable risk to the baby, so it is common for these mature mothers take much more care, be in good physical condition and have an excellent quality of life.

Risks of becoming pregnant at 40

Despite the fact that more and more women become pregnant after the age of 40 and that most of them manage to carry out their pregnancy, there is no doubt that age is a risk factor for the pregnancy. pregnancy. And is that the older, more risk of spontaneous abortion and more complications in childbirth. The development of pregnancy can also be complicated with age, as they increase the cases of pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, premature birth and low birth weight of the baby.

However, in the face of possible complications are medical advances. Tests such as amniocentesis or triple screening can detect many congenital anomalies early, which is generally what most concerns pregnant women. And in any case, any risk pregnancy is followed scrupulously by doctors. So, the truth is that most pregnancies after 40 end with a happy mother and a healthy baby.

Laura Velez. Editor of Children's Guide