What are the risks of giving birth at an advanced age?
With the development of society and the improvement of people's living standards, more and more women choose to marry later and have children later. However, the elderly childbearing is also accompanied by various risks. In this article, we will elaborate on the risks of elderly childbearing from four aspects: physiological risks, pregnancy complications, perinatal risks and infant health problems.
1、 Physiological risk
1. Increasing difficulty in childbearing: With the growth of age, the number and quality of female eggs gradually decline, leading to increased difficulty in pregnancy. In addition, older women may also face higher rates of miscarriage and premature delivery.
2. Gestational diabetes: Older women are more likely to suffer from gestational diabetes, which is caused by factors such as decreased insulin secretion, increased insulin resistance, and decreased metabolic function. Gestational diabetes will increase the risk of fetal dysplasia, macrosomia and dystocia.
3. Late abortion and preterm delivery: Older pregnant women are more likely to have late abortion and preterm delivery during pregnancy. This is mainly due to the decline of uterine function, placental function and self immunity.
2、 Pregnancy complications
1. Hypertension: Older pregnant women are more likely to suffer from pregnancy hypertension and pre eclampsia. These diseases may lead to fetal growth retardation, premature delivery, fetal distress and other serious consequences.
2. Intrauterine infection: Older pregnant women are more vulnerable to intrauterine infection due to their decreased immunity. Intrauterine infection may lead to fetal infection, premature delivery, abortion and other adverse consequences.
3. Pregnancy complications: Older pregnant women are prone to complications such as gestational diabetes, anemia, hypothyroidism, etc. These complications will have a negative impact on the health of pregnant women and fetuses.
3、 Perinatal risk
1. Complications during pregnancy: Older pregnant women are more likely to have complications such as prolonged labor and vaginal laceration during delivery. These complications may increase the mother's pain and recovery time.
2. Postpartum depression: Older women are more likely to have the risk of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression will have a negative impact on the relationship between mother and infant and the mother's mental health, and in serious cases, it will also affect the health and development of infants.
3. High risk obstetrics: Older pregnant women are more likely to need high-risk obstetric operations such as cesarean section due to age growth and physiological changes. These operations increase the risk to the mother and fetus.
4、 Infant health problems
1. Chromosome abnormalities: The probability of chromosomal abnormalities in babies born to older pregnant women is significantly increased, such as Down syndrome. These chromosomal abnormalities often lead to problems in infant intelligence, physical development and other aspects.
2. Congenital malformations: babies born to older pregnant women are more likely to have congenital malformations, such as heart defects, cleft lip and palate, etc. These abnormalities will have adverse effects on the growth and development of infants.
3. Continuation of health problems: The physical health problems of older babies may continue into adulthood, affecting their quality of life. For example, babies born at an advanced age are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
To sum up, the elderly birth is accompanied by various risks such as physiological risks, pregnancy complications, perinatal risks and infant health problems. For women who are ready to give birth at an advanced age, they should conduct a comprehensive health examination before giving birth, understand their own risks, and make decisions under the guidance of doctors to protect their own and fetal health.
