Women Over 35 And Pregnancy

BINGHAMTON, NY - If you are a woman aged 35 or older, or a woman who has had problems with past pregnancies or has a chronic illness, it's important to begin planning as early as possible for a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. "The most important steps you can take include scheduling a pre-pregnancy check-up with your health care provider; taking a folic acid vitamin before and during the first months of pregnancy; and adopting a healthy lifestyle," Claudia Edwards, Public Health Director of the Broome County Health Department said.

A woman should visit a health care provider, specifically an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN), family doctor or midwife, at least once before becoming pregnant. "The healthier a woman is before pregnancy, the healthier both she and her baby will be," said Ms. Edwards. "A pre-pregnancy visit is especially important if a woman has a chronic health problem, such as diabetes; or a problem with a previous pregnancy, such as a miscarriage, pre-term delivery or birth defects. The cause of the problem can often be diagnosed and treated so that her next pregnancy can be healthier."

She said that a growing number of women are choosing to become pregnant in their 30's and 40's. While most of them will have healthy babies, recent studies show that women who delay childbearing can face special risks for infertility, miscarriage, gestational diabetes, bleeding complications, high blood pressure and cesarean section. And, their babies are at higher risk for mental retardation and low birth weight.

During a pre-pregnancy visit, your health care provider will ask you about your current and past medical history; inherited diseases in your and your partner's families; past pregnancies; current lifestyle, such as whether you or the baby's father smokes; and your use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. You will be screened for diabetes, high blood pressure and infections, including vaginal and urinary infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

Depending on your lifestyle, you may have blood tests for rubella (German measles), Toxoplasmosis, hepatitis B and chickenpox. Additionally, you should be current with your immunizations, especially rubella (German measles). Ms. Edwards said, "If a woman hasn't had chickenpox or rubella, she should be vaccinated at least three months before becoming pregnant."

You can request genetic counseling, especially if there is a chance for inherited diseases. These include Tay-Sachs disease, which causes fatal damage in babies of Eastern European Jewish ancestry; Thalassemia, a blood disorder that mainly affects people of Asian or Mediterranean descent; and sickle cell anemia, which is a blood disorder that largely affects African Americans.

Another important step toward a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby is to take a folic acid vitamin every day before becoming pregnant and during the first months of pregnancy. Taking folic acid can help prevent up to 70 percent of brain and spinal cord birth defects.

"A healthy lifestyle is also important. A woman should not smoke. Smoking doubles her risk for ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, and increases her chances of having a low birth weight baby or a child with learning disabilities," said Ms. Edwards. "A woman should also avoid drinking alcohol and consuming caffeinated beverages, or taking any drugs, unless prescribed by her health care provider. She should also engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as a brisk walk, on most days of the week, and eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits, whole grains and foods low in fat every day."

For more information, contact the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.3944, or the March of Dimes Birth Defect Foundation at 1.800.244.9255, or email jcchytilo, or the Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network, at 607.772.0517, or call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1.800.522.5006.

CONTACT:
Jan Chytilo, Supervising Public Health Educator,
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.3944
email: jcchytilo

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