Age and Pregnancy: Should Women Be Concerned?

From teen pregnancy to advanced maternal age, pregnancy at any age can come with risks. We are often told that pregnancy in our teen years or over the age of 35 comes with possible increased risk to Mom and baby. But, what are those risks? Should a woman be concerned if she is a pregnant teenager or a woman over the age of 35?

Teen pregnancy:

Many of the risks of teen pregnancy tend to be socioeconomic risks. These risks include:

• Unplanned Pregnancy
• Lack of or inadequate prenatal care
• Lack of preparation for having a newborn
• Difficulty completing high school or going to college
• Being a single parent
• Lack of support or resources

Many of these socioeconomic factors can be helped with good support from family or resources such as pregnancy resource centers. AbbaCare and other pregnancy resource centers can come alongside adolescent pregnant women and families to help ensure they are well-prepared and supported. Many pregnancy resource centers offer material support (diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, and other newborn supplies), parenting classes, childbirth classes, counseling, support groups, and mentor moms. 

There are some increased medical risks associated with adolescent pregnancy. These include an increased risk of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, premature labor, low birth weight, and an increased risk of post-partum depression. These medical risks tend to decrease with adequate prenatal care and support throughout the pregnancy.

Teens who are pregnant should immediately stop all drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. They should also get into prenatal care as soon as possible. 

Pregnancy over the age of 35:

Many women are told that if they are pregnant over the age of 35 they are considered high risk due to their age. Increased age can come with more risks but it is not guaranteed that any of those risks could happen. Here are some of the increased medical risks associated with pregnancy over the age of 35:

• Increased risk of twins or multiple gestation
• Increased risk of gestational diabetes
• Increased risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy
• Increased risk of premature birth or having a baby with a low birth weight
• Increased risk of C-Section
• Increased risk of chromosomal conditions such as Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), Trisomy 18, or Trisomy 13.
• Increased risk of miscarriage or pregnancy loss.

What can women over the age of 35 do to decrease these risks?

They can:

• Make a preconception appointment with an OB/GYN or get into prenatal care as soon as they find out about their pregnancy.
• Seek regular prenatal care
• Eat a healthy diet
• Gain weight wisely
• Get regular exercise
• Immediately stop any alcohol, drug or tobacco use.

AbbaCare is a pregnancy resource center serving women and families facing pregnancies that are unexpected or unexpectedly difficult. To learn more about our free, confidential services, visit abbacare.org.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic

Nationwide Children’s

Web MD