Pregnancy After Age 35

It's a myth that being 35 or older means your pregnancy will be high risk. Making the right choices now and working with your health care provider can help your pregnancy be trouble-free.

Things to Think About

Most women who are 35 or older have normal pregnancies, but there are some special things you need to think about before becoming pregnant. Once a woman reaches 35, she has a greater chance of the following:

• Having fertility problems

• Having a miscarriage or fetal loss in the second or third trimester

• Developing diabetes or high blood pressure while pregnant

• Being constantly tired when pregnant

• Giving birth by cesarean section (surgery needed to deliver a baby)

• Having babies with genetic problems such as Down syndrome

• Having multiple births

Making the Right Choices

Before and after you become pregnant:

• Don't use recreational drugs.

• Don't drink alcohol.

• Don't smoke.

Keeping You and Your Baby Healthy

Before and during your pregnancy:

• Take a daily vitamin supplement that contains folic acid and iron.

• Eat a high-fiber, low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

• Stay physically active.

• Keep a healthy weight.

You may need extra care if you have any of the following:

• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Other chronic health problems