Modern mothers are leaving their first pregnancy very late and this has consequences for pregnancy expectations and outcomes...

There are more and more women having babies later in life. Sometimes it’s by choice, and sometimes it’s by chance. But the bottom line is that in this rapidly changing world of medical advances, social demographics and financial uncertainty, our ability and opportunity to get pregnant have come a long way.

It is no secret that women today are having babies’ later in life and the reasons are as unique as the individuals. Some women long to accomplish personal goals career objectives or financial security. Some women just don’t meet Mr Right until later in life.

In fact first pregnancies between the ages of 30-39 years have doubled over the past decade, and for women over 40 have increased by 50%

But there are things you should know...

Women over 35 have an increased risk of the following complications during pregnancy:

Miscarriage, caesarean birth, high blood pressure, diabetes, foetal distress, ectopic pregnancy and premature delivery. The baby is also at risk for low birth weight, genetic disorders like Down syndrome, asphyxia, brain bleeds and stillbirth.

Unfortunately babies do not come with a money back guarantee despite each maternity hospital having “Baby Change Rooms”

Few of our expectant mothers realise in even in 2010 that

• One baby in one hundred dies around birth
• Five babies in one hundred will have a registrable birth defect
• One baby in four hundred will have a registrable birth defect **1

So here are the things you can do to give yourself a better chance of a healthy pregnancy and delivery

? Plan your pregnancy- book in to see your Obstetrician even before you are pregnant

? Get the Best prenatal care especially if you're over 35. There is an increased chance of Hypertension and diabetes for the first time during pregnancy. You can also ask about prenatal screening tests such as amniocentesis.

? Check all medications and over the counter drugs or herbal remedies with your Doctor

? don’t drink alcohol, or take illegal drugs. Don’t smoke

? be sure to get a proper amount of exercise before, during and after your pregnancy. Check with your doctor

? Make sure you follow a healthy diet with a variety of nutritious foods.

[1] Professor A MacLennan Arthur Wilson Oration ANZ Journal of Obstetrics and Gynae