Older moms: the pros and cons

16 March, 2010 06:34:00 Staff Contributor

Research shows that more and more older women can carry pregnancies to term, and give birth safely. Cutting-edge IVF technology is making it possible for women to have their first babies at later and later ages.

Increasingly, women are giving birth in, and beyond, what was once considered middle age. 40s, 50s, and even 60s are now possible childbearing age groups, and the numbers have skyrocketed over the last couple of decades.

Although it is tantamount to a miracle for most older women to be able to get pregnant at their age, there are concerns about the elevated risks of health problems and complications in women choosing to have a baby at age 40 or older.

Risks are lower if it is your second or third child

Healthy woman of 40 and above, with no prior medical problems, physically healthy, and conceiving naturally has a good chance of an uncomplicated pregnancy, especially if it is a second or subsequent child.

However, increasingly, women in their 40s are getting pregnant for the first time through IVF

Most of them have some marginal health issues like mild hypertension, weight problems, prediabetic conditions and so on.

These older women are in a high risk category for a number of deadly medical complications ranging from:

•    26% of women ages 50 to 54 suffer from preeclampsia
•    13% of post 40 women developed gestational diabetes. 60% of those over the age of 55 developed gestational diabetes
•    Older women who recently gave birth are more likely to develop breast cancer in the 15 years after giving birth. Women who have their first child after the age of 35 are at 26% higher risk
•    Pregnancy can prompt an earlier onset of hypertension
•    Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a potential danger which can cause heart failure
•    The C-section rate is significantly higher. Almost 50% of women having their first child between 40 to 45 and almost 80% of women having a child at age 50 to 63 undergo a C-section.
•    Risk of placental problems shoots up after 40. there is a 10 times higher risk of placenta previa which can cause severe vaginal bleeding and premature labor.
•    Babies of over-40 women are more likely to have birth defects. 2.9% of women over 40 have babies with birth defects, where the number is 1.7% in women below 35.
•    Heart defects are four times more common in babies of women over 40

In addition, there are other physical, mental, and emotional disadvantages to having a child after forty

For example, an older person has less physical energy, and this makes it difficult to handle the sheer physical demands of motherhood as well as the stress.

Women who have waited longer to become mothers are more likely to have become used to privacy and freedom. Having a baby means being accountable and responsible 24/7. This can become trying for someone not prepared for it. They will also have to work beyond retirement age, at least part time, in order to meet the expenses of the child’s college education.

It’s not all bad news for older moms

Advantages include better educated mothers which can be a great advantage to the child, and generally better parenting decisions. More experience too translates to better advice and greater advantages to the children.

Older women often also appreciate motherhood more, and tend not to feel resentful or tied down. Older parents also tend to treat kids like people, and speak to them on a one-to-one basis.

Older moms are more mentally and emotionally prepared for parenthood

They are more mentally and emotionally prepared for parenthood, and it is a conscious choice for them to have a baby. This translates to less emotional problems for both mother and child.

Older people tend to have more patience, probably the most important ingredient in parenting. And they have lower anxiety levels, which means, they can be more relaxed, level headed parents.

Older moms live longer

Keeping up with a child rejuvenates you and keeps you mentally and physically healthy. Statistics show that older women, who give birth later in life, live longer. Later pregnancies mean later menopause, and reduces risk of heart disease and stroke. Women becoming mothers after forty are four times more likely to outlive their counterparts who don’t bear a child.

What are your views on older moms? We want to know

What are your views on giving birth after 40 - or even after 50? Have you had any personal expereinces that you would like to share with us? Post your comments below.