Risk 1: Increased complications during pregnancy
Elderly childbearing refers to the pregnancy of women over 35 years old. Compared with young women, older pregnant women face more risks of complications during pregnancy. First of all, the increase in the age of pregnant women will lead to an increased risk of pregnancy induced hypertension and gestational diabetes. These complications increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications and premature delivery in pregnant women. Secondly, older pregnant women are more likely to have placental related complications such as placenta previa and placental abruption, which may lead to postpartum hemorrhage and fetal hypoxia. In addition, the fetus of older pregnant women is also more likely to suffer from congenital abnormalities, which may even lead to fetal death in some cases.
For these risks, the hospital should provide a professional team, including senior obstetricians, anesthesiologists and pediatricians, to provide comprehensive care and treatment. Pregnant women themselves should also actively cooperate with doctors' suggestions, carry out regular prenatal examination and physical examination, and pay attention to the adjustment of diet and lifestyle to reduce the risk of complications.
Risk 2: High risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities
With the increase of age, women's ovarian function gradually declines, and the quality of eggs will also be affected. This means that older pregnant women have a higher risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities than younger pregnant women. The most common chromosomal abnormality is Down syndrome, which is characterized by mental retardation and physical retardation. In addition, the fetus born to elderly pregnant women may also suffer from other chromosome abnormalities, such as trisomy 21 syndrome, Edwards syndrome, etc.
In order to reduce the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, hospitals usually recommend prenatal counseling for elderly pregnant women, including amniocentesis or non-invasive prenatal gene testing. These detection methods can help pregnant women understand whether there is chromosomal abnormality in the fetus, and make corresponding decisions when necessary.
Risk 3: Increased delivery complications
Older pregnant women also face more risk of complications during delivery. Due to the decline of uterine muscle strength, older pregnant women are more likely to suffer from uterine inertia and prolonged labor. In addition, the size of the fetus may also increase, increasing the probability of dystocia. In order to ensure the smooth delivery process, the hospital may need to take additional measures, such as induced labor, forceps delivery or caesarean section.
When faced with the risk of delivery complications, pregnant women should cooperate with the doctor's advice, ensure to go to the hospital at an appropriate time, and actively cooperate with the doctor according to his guidance. The hospital also needs to have advanced equipment and professional medical team to ensure the delivery safety of elderly pregnant women.
Risk 4: Difficulty in postpartum recovery
Older pregnant women also face many difficulties in postpartum recovery. Due to the increase of age, the recovery process of elderly mothers is relatively slow, and postpartum fatigue is more common. In addition, elderly pregnant women may also face difficulties in breast-feeding, because the secretion of breast milk may not be as sufficient as that of young women.
In order to promote the postpartum recovery of elderly mothers, hospitals can provide postpartum rehabilitation services, such as the guidance of rehabilitation nurses and the formulation of rehabilitation exercise plans. In addition, hospitals should also provide breastfeeding support, including breast milk pumps and counseling services, to help elderly mothers better breastfeed.
Summary
There are certain risks in elderly childbearing. The increase of pregnancy complications, the increase of the risk of fetal chromosome abnormalities, the increase of delivery complications, and the difficulty of postpartum recovery are all potential risks brought by the elderly childbirth. However, despite these risks, many elderly pregnant women still successfully welcomed the arrival of new life through active medical intervention and personal efforts. Most importantly, the hospital and pregnant women themselves should work closely together to reduce risks and ensure the safety and health of elderly pregnant women and fetuses.
