Over the past few decades, the number of women intentionally delaying pregnancy has increased around the world. In India too, experts say the number of mid-life pregnancies has increased in recent times with a significant surge among women above 40 years of age. According to studies, as the average age of mothers is decreasing – the change in motherhood duration can be attributed to the current generation being more career and education-oriented.

According to doctors, delay is how various side effects occur in women’s bodies – most of which are dangerous for their overall health and well-being.

What is late pregnancy and how does it affect the fetus?

According to Dr. Sonia Golani, Consultant Gynecologist and Obstetrician, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, if pregnancy occurs after the age of 35 then it is called late pregnancy. This is when it becomes difficult not only to conceive but also to carry a full term pregnancy without any problems. Late pregnancy is associated with the following risks:

• risk of miscarriage
• risk of congenital anomalies
• Risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy
• Risk of cesarean section increased
• risk of premature birth
• risk of stillbirth
• Due to increasing age, you may have difficulty conceiving due to low AMH levels, which can lead to infertility and increase the chances of IVF.

Delayed pregnancy has serious effects on a woman’s body.

Dr. Golani says that delayed pregnancy can cause various problems with your vital organs, some of which include:

cardiovascular health

“Increased maternal age and the presence of concomitant conditions such as diabetes, HTN, hypercholesteremia, and valvular heart disease may worsen cardiovascular problems,” Dr. Golani said. “Thus a multidisciplinary approach and pre-pregnancy counseling by an obstetrician and cardiologist is necessary for prevention and early diagnosis of cardiovascular problems. This will go a long way in preventing maternal morbidity and mortality.”

Dr. Golani said that some patients with serious cardiovascular problems are advised to avoid pregnancy or change the medication to one that is safer for the mother and the developing fetus before planning a pregnancy.

gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy and is seen more commonly as women age. Strict control of blood sugar levels through proper diet and exercise is essential. Sometimes, medicines are also needed to keep your blood sugar under control.

If left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause a baby to be much larger than average, increasing the risk of injury during delivery.

high blood pressure

According to studies, older women are prone to high blood pressure, so if you are pregnant at an older age it is important to get regular checkups done to ensure that your baby is growing and developing adequately.

If you have high blood pressure during pregnancy, you need to visit your gynecologist frequently, as it may even lead to premature delivery to avoid further complications.

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