Do women who have given birth at a very old age increase the risk of congenital diseases in their infants?
In recent years, with the progress of medical technology and the improvement of living standards, more and more women choose to greet their babies when they are older. However, it has always been a topic of concern whether the ultra elderly women who have given birth will increase the risk of congenital diseases in their infants. This article will elaborate on this issue from four aspects: physiology, genetics, environment and medical treatment.
1、 Physiological factors
The increase of age will cause the decline of female fertility, including the quality and quantity of eggs. With the increase of age, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs will also increase, which will lead to an increase in the possibility of infants suffering from congenital diseases. For example, compared with young women, women over 35 have an increased risk of genetic diseases such as congenital heart disease, Down syndrome and neural tube defects.
In addition, women who have given birth at a very old age are more likely to suffer from pregnancy complications, such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, etc. These complications will also increase the risk of birth defects.
However, it is worth noting that although the risk of some diseases may increase for babies born to ultra old women, the vast majority of babies are still healthy. This is because the continuous progress of modern medical technology enables early screening and intervention of babies, thus reducing the risk of congenital diseases.
2、 Genetic factor
The risk of congenital diseases of infants is closely related to the genetic genes of their parents. Very old women usually have children with older male partners, and the older men will also increase the risk of some genetic diseases. For example, older fathers are associated with an increased risk of autism and mental retardation in their children.
In addition, if the ultra elderly women who have given birth carry some genetic abnormalities, it will also increase the risk of infants suffering from congenital diseases. Therefore, before planned pregnancy, women can carry out relevant genetic testing in order to understand their own genetic risks as early as possible and choose whether they are suitable for childbirth.
3、 Environmental factors
In addition to physiological and genetic factors, environmental factors may also have an impact on the risk of congenital diseases in infants. In fact, women of very old age who have given birth often have higher socio-economic status and better living environment. These factors can provide better health care and nutrition during pregnancy and reduce the risk of congenital diseases of infants.
However, some environmental factors, such as tobacco, alcohol and drug exposure, may still increase the risk of congenital diseases in infants. Women who have given birth at an extremely old age should pay attention to avoiding the exposure of these drugs and substances, and ensure that the child can get the best environment in the mother's body.
4、 Medical intervention
The continuous progress of modern medical technology has provided more opportunities and guarantees for ultra old women who have given birth. By carrying out relevant prenatal examinations and screening, doctors can find and intervene in potential congenital diseases as early as possible, thus reducing the risk. For example, ultra old women who have given birth can screen the fetus for chromosomal abnormalities by amniocentesis or non-invasive prenatal gene detection.
In addition, modern medical means can also select embryos without genetic disease risk for transplantation through pre implantation genetic diagnosis technology, so as to improve the success rate of risk control of infants' congenital diseases.
Summary
In conclusion, the risk of some congenital diseases of babies born to very old women is indeed relatively high. This is mainly due to the comprehensive influence of physiological factors, genetic factors, environmental factors and medical intervention. However, the continuous development and progress of modern medical technology has provided more choices and guarantees for ultra old women who have given birth, which can reduce the risk of congenital diseases of infants. Therefore, when deciding whether to give birth or not, women of very old age should consult with doctors in detail, and carry out necessary examinations and screening to make the most scientific and reasonable decision.
