Late pregnancy is becoming more and more common as women are opting for a career growth path when they are in their twenties and pushing motherhood to mid thirties, late thirties or even to forties. Late pregnancy brings with it it’s own source of woes and risks to the mother and child.
A Danish study says added to the existent risk factors, poor health of the mothers and their unhappiness can also become risk factors that can reduce their chances of becoming pregnant.Some of the factors that are already been associated with late pregnancy are miscarriages, stillbirth, hypertension for the mothers, and an increased risk of dying during or after delivery.
While with egg donation and in vitro fertilization, it is possible for even a 66 year old to become a mother, the physical exertion of carrying a baby full term at an age above 40yrs can lead to extreme breathlessness, postural hypotension, syncope and palpitations for the pregnant lady. These mothers are often tired and suffer from ill health as well.
The researchers feel that the ideal age for having a baby should not be later than 35yrs of age.
Reference: European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, 21st annual meeting, news brief, June 2005
