Risks of giving birth at an advanced age
With the continuous progress of modern medical technology, more and more women choose to postpone childbearing, leading to the phenomenon of elderly childbearing more and more common. However, the elderly childbirth is also accompanied by a series of risks, which have a certain impact on the health of pregnant women and fetuses. This article analyzes the risks of elderly childbearing from the aspects of maternal health, fetal development, delivery process and genetic factors.
1、 Physical condition of pregnant women
1. Physiological changes
With the growth of age, the functions of various systems of the female body decline, such as ovarian dysfunction, uterine dysfunction, etc. These physiological changes will increase the risk of pregnancy complications for pregnant women, such as hypertensive pregnancy, gestational diabetes, etc.
2. Increased risk of multiple diseases
Older pregnant women are more likely to suffer from certain diseases than younger pregnant women, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, etc. These diseases will bring risks to the development of the fetus and the health of the mother.
3. Increased risk of pregnancy complications
Older pregnant women have a higher risk of pregnancy complications than younger pregnant women. For example, the incidence of pre eclampsia, placental abruption, oligohydramnios and other complications increased significantly, which brought serious risks to the health of both mothers and infants.
2、 Fetal development
1. Chromosome abnormalities increase
With the increase of age, the quality of female eggs decreases, and the probability of chromosomal abnormalities increases. This poses a great threat to the normal development of embryos, leading to an increased risk of abortion, premature delivery, birth defects and other problems.
2. Increased risk of birth defects
The risk of fetal birth defects in elderly pregnant women is significantly increased. Common birth defects include cleft lip and palate, heart malformation, neural tube defects, etc. These birth defects will have a serious impact on the survival and development of the fetus.
3. Restricted growth and development
The growth and development of the fetus of the elderly pregnant women in the uterus may be more restricted than that of the fetus of the same age pregnant women. This may lead to low fetal weight, growth retardation, and even premature birth.
3、 Delivery process
1. Prolongation of labor process
The cervical function and uterine muscle strength of elderly pregnant women are weakened, and the delivery process will be relatively long. This increases the possibility of dystocia and surgical delivery (such as cesarean section).
2. Increased risk of delivery complications
The risk of complications in the delivery process of elderly women is also higher than that of young women. For example, the probability of postpartum hemorrhage, pelvic deformation, perineal laceration and other problems increases, which increases the difficulty of maternal recovery.
3. Increased risk of fetal distress
The probability of fetal distress in the fetus of elderly pregnant women increases due to chromosome abnormalities and insufficient maternal oxygen supply. This may lead to placental hypofunction, fetal intrauterine hypoxia and other conditions.
4、 Genetic factor
1. Increased risk of genetic diseases
The risk of genetic related diseases of elderly pregnant women is also significantly increased due to their age. For example, the increased probability of Down's syndrome, congenital heart disease and other genetic diseases has a direct impact on the health of the fetus.
2. Increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities
The risk of chromosomal abnormalities in elderly pregnant women is significantly increased, such as the relatively high incidence of Bart and Edwards syndrome. These chromosomal abnormalities will have a long-term impact on the health and development of the fetus.
3. Transmission of familial genetic diseases
Family genetic diseases are also common in elderly pregnant women. This will increase the risk of fetal disease. In serious cases, it may lead to long-term treatment after birth and even interfere with the normal life and development of the fetus.
To sum up, there are many risks in elderly childbearing, which can not be ignored for the health of pregnant women and fetuses. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk, it is recommended to consult a doctor in advance, do a good job of relevant prenatal examination and health guidance, and reasonably plan the birth.
