Pregnancy in your 40s is more at risk of complications. However, you don't need to worry too much because with the right preparation, a healthy pregnancy in your 40s is not impossible.
When you're in your 40s, your fertility rate will decline, but there's still a chance to get pregnant. However, the risk for pregnancy complications tends to be higher, especially if you also suffer from certain health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
To minimize this risk, of course you have to prepare yourself well so that health is better maintained and the fetus in the womb remains healthy so that the delivery process can run smoothly.
Tips for Getting and Having a Healthy Pregnancy in your 40s
Even though it takes extra effort, you and your partner can still fulfill your dream of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby in your 40s. The trick is to:
1. Adopt a healthy lifestyle
The risk for complications is indeed greater, so you must take good care of your health. The trick is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. You are advised to eat healthy foods, stop smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and exercise regularly.
Then, take prenatal vitamins as recommended by your doctor. This is important to do so that the needs of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy are really fulfilled properly.
2. Health check
At the age of 40, the reserve of egg cells is not much, and the quality of sperm has also decreased. For that, you and your partner need to do a joint health check.
By conducting a health check, the doctor can assess the fertility level of you and your partner, as well as detect health conditions that may interfere with your pregnancy.
With this examination, the doctor will provide treatment, as well as determine the right steps, and even plan a pregnancy program. So, if you don't get pregnant after 6 months of unprotected sex or other contraception, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
3. Be aware of pregnancy disorders
As previously discussed, pregnancies in their 40s are twice as likely to experience pregnancy complications. Complications that lurk include gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, placenta previa, and premature rupture of membranes.
To minimize these risks, you need to take good care of your health and content. Then, be aware of the symptoms that appear, and check with your doctor regularly, so that your pregnancy can be monitored from time to time.
4. Think positive
Women who are pregnant in their 40s also need to continue to think positively and believe that they can have a healthy pregnancy. This is important to note, because what you think will affect your mental and physical health.
So, don't hesitate to share your thoughts with a doctor who is experienced in dealing with advanced pregnancy. If necessary, ask or also tell what you are experiencing to relatives who have planned a pregnancy in your 40s, so that you are better prepared for pregnancy.
Although risky, pregnancy in your 40s actually has a positive side. At this age, the personalities of prospective mothers and fathers are considered to be more mature and mature. Likewise with career and financial conditions, which generally tend to be more established.
Pregnancy in your 40s also tends to be more likely to have twins, either naturally or through IVF.
Even though it sounds difficult and worrying, you don't need to be afraid to get pregnant in your 40s. With careful preparation, physically and mentally healthy, you can go through all the pregnancy processes more easily. Moreover, if you follow all the recommendations given by the obstetrician.
