What is Geriatric Pregnancy?

If you are over the age of 35 and pregnant, then you may have heard the term “geriatric pregnancy.” This is usually an old term used to describe a pregnancy in a mother who may be 35 years and above. Nowadays, several doctors use the term “advanced maternal age (AMA)” instead of geriatric pregnancy. You must be wondering what to expect in a geriatric pregnancy. Read this article to learn more!

Understanding Geriatric Pregnancy

Most healthy women who get pregnant after the age of 35 and even into their 40s are known to have geriatric pregnancies. While older pregnancies typically result in healthy births and babies, there still may be a higher risk to both the mother and her babies. The chances of conditions like miscarriages, babies with congenital diseases, and genetic disorders rise more in the case of pregnancies with advanced maternal age. Considering these risks, some families opt for stem cell preservation as a precautionary measure to ensure potential treatments for any future health issues.

However, a geriatric pregnancy is usually not treated differently than a typical pregnancy. Your Obstetrics may be more vigilant about your health and suggest frequent prenatal testing to monitor your baby’s and your health. For the most part, you will need to be more mindful about pregnancy symptoms and consume a healthy diet with frequent light exercise.

Benefits of Geriatric Pregnancy

Despite having its challenges, studies have shown that geriatric pregnancy comes with several benefits for the mother and her child. These include:

• You’re likely to live longer if you are older when giving birth.
• Your child may end up healthier and more adjusted if you give birth at an advanced maternal age.
• Older mothers often have greater emotional and financial stability. This can impact their child’s upbringing positively.

Risks Associated with Geriatric Pregnancy

No matter your age, pregnancy poses its own set of dangers. However, a few risks become more likely with a geriatric pregnancy, which includes:

• High blood pressure and organ damage
• Gestational diabetes
• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Labor problems leading to cesarean section
• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• genetic disorders in the baby leading to developmental and congenital issues

Tips to Have a Healthy Baby at a Later Stage

It is never too late to welcome a child. Consider the following tips to have a healthy baby during geriatric pregnancy.

• Preconception Checkups and Counseling

See your doctor and get a checkup to make sure you are ready for geriatric pregnancy physically and emotionally.

• Get Regular Prenatal Care

The first eight weeks of your pregnancy are essential for your baby’s development. Early and regular prenatal care can increase your chances of having a safe pregnancy and a healthier baby. Prenatal care includes regular exams, screenings, pregnancy education, and childbirth counseling and support.

• Take Medications

Remember to take prenatal vitamins. Women of childbearing age must take prenatal vitamins regularly with folic acid to help prevent defects in their baby’s spinal cord and brain and maintain their well-being.

Stem Cell Treatment and Geriatric Pregnancy

Starting a family is a personal decision, and nowadays, people often decide to wait until later in life to have children. One of the benefits of geriatric pregnancy is having more life experience and financial stability to raise your child.

However, it is essential to prepare for the possible risks associated with geriatric pregnancy. Consider advanced protection to help your baby fight potential health issues in the future through stem cell preservation. These cells help treat several diseases, including cancer and auto-immune disorders. Consult the experts at Cryoviva, the globally acclaimed stem cell banking company, to register for their services. Invest in a brighter future for your family today!