The truth of elder childbearing: will it increase the complications of pregnancy and childbirth?
With the development of society, more and more women choose to meet their children at an advanced age. However, whether the elderly childbirth will increase the complications of pregnancy and childbirth has become a controversial topic. This article will discuss the truth of elder childbearing from the aspects of age, pregnancy and childbirth complications, physical condition, infant health and medical technology.
Age and complications during pregnancy and childbirth
In general, the increase in female age is associated with an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Higher age may increase the probability of early pregnancy abortion, placental abruption, hypertensive pregnancy diseases and other complications. According to the research of New York Presbyterian Hospital, women over 35 years old are prone to oligohydramnios, fetal chromosome abnormalities and other problems during pregnancy. In addition, age is also related to the mode of delivery. Older pregnant women are more likely to need caesarean section.
However, the risk of complications in older pregnant women is not absolute. Individual differences, as well as quality prenatal examination and care, can reduce these risks. The progress of medical technology makes the monitoring of pregnant women and fetuses more accurate, and timely treatment and prevention of complications.
In addition, a large-scale study published in the Lancet found that even in the face of the risk of aging, a large proportion of elderly pregnant women can still successfully pass the pregnancy and give birth to healthy babies. Therefore, although elder childbearing does increase the probability of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, it does not mean that complications will definitely occur.
Physical condition
In elderly pregnant women, the body has undergone a series of changes, including ovarian function decline, uterine muscle relaxation, visceral organ prolapse, and so on. These changes increase the risk of many complications during pregnancy. For example, ovarian function decline may lead to premature ovarian failure, affecting the quality and quantity of eggs. However, there are many older pregnant women with good physical condition, healthy constitution and high-quality embryos, thus reducing the risk of complications.
Evaluating and improving the physical condition of pregnant women is the key measure to reduce the risk of complications. Some women can improve their health through proper exercise, diet adjustment and nutrition supplement. The hidden dangers shall be known and prevented in advance through previous physical examination.
Infant health
For a long time, the elderly childbearing has been linked with infant health problems. Age increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities at birth, especially common chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. However, even among older pregnant women, most babies are still healthy.
Prenatal screening of fetus can help to find chromosome abnormalities and further genetic counseling. In addition, the emergence of non-invasive prenatal gene detection technology provides a more accurate and safe method to screen potential chromosomal abnormalities, reducing the risk to the fetus.
Advances in medical technology
With the continuous progress of medical technology, the nursing and monitoring of elderly pregnant women are also increasingly improved. The experience of doctors and nurses, as well as the advanced equipment provided by suppliers, provide escort for high-risk pregnant women. For example, the application of non-invasive prenatal detection technology has significantly improved the detection rate of chromosome abnormalities and reduced the risk of unnecessary puncture inspection.
In addition, modern hospitals also provide first-class prenatal examination and obstetric surgery facilities to provide comprehensive medical security for elderly pregnant women. For example, first-class medical institutions such as Boston Children's Hospital affiliated to Harvard Medical School and New York Presbyterian Hospital have advanced technology and top expert teams, which provide a strong guarantee for safe delivery of high-risk pregnant women.
Summary
Although the elderly childbirth will increase the probability of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, it does not mean that the elderly childbirth will inevitably have complications. Through modern medical technology and comprehensive prenatal examination, many elderly pregnant women can successfully pass the pregnancy and give birth to healthy babies. The key lies in the implementation of early screening and high-quality protection, as well as the comprehensive measures of timely intervention and reasonable management. For women who are ready to give birth at an advanced age, it is important to fully understand their own physical conditions, and to choose an appropriate pregnancy plan after full consultation, inspection and care.
