Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks - The National
OK so I couldn't think of a song lyric for this blog, so picked a song I am fairly addicted to at the moment (and it has the word baby in the title...) Recently I was interviewed on the potential health risks to Women and their babies if giving birth after the age of 30. Here is what was discussed:
In the past an Older mother often meant a woman who already had a large family and was having her fifth or sixth baby. Having many pregnancies often led to complications. Now an older mother usually means someone who has chosen to start her family later and is often fit, and well nourished. It is unfortunately still true that simply by being older, there is an increased chance to develop medical disorders such as diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic diseases, which can affect pregnancy and birth.
Does the risk of birth defects increase?
The risk of giving birth to a child with a defect does increase as the mother's age increases, due to problems with chromosome division. The traditional age at which a woman is considered to be at high risk for chromosomal abnormalities is 35. Approximately 1 in 1400 babies born from women in their 20s have Down’s syndrome; it increases to about 1 in 100 babies born with Down’s syndrome from women in their 40s.
Will the risk of miscarriage increase?
Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester for women of all ages. The risk of miscarriage increases with age. Studies suggest that about 10 percent of recognized pregnancies for women in their 20s end in miscarriage. The risk rises to about 20 percent at ages 35 to 39, 35 percent at ages 40 to 44 and more than 50 percent by age 45. The age-related increased risk of miscarriage is caused, at least in part, by increases in chromosomal abnormalities.
What other problems can arise?
Chronic health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, are more common in women in their 30s and 40s. High blood pressure and diabetes can develop for the first time during pregnancy, and women over the age of 30 are at increased risk. Stillbirth, delivery of a baby that has died before birth, is more common in women over age 35. Older women are also more likely to have low-birth weight babies, weighing less than 5.5 pounds. Caesarean birth is also slightly more common for women having their first child after age 35.
What effect does age have on the birth itself?
There is a marked pattern of increased intervention with the increasing age of the mother. If over 35 the chances of an induced labour, an epidural, or forceps/ventouse delivery are increased. Virtually all studies agree that the rate of caesareans also rises with maternal age. Some research has found that foetal distress is more commonly diagnosed in older mothers, which partially explains why caesarean rates are higher. There is also some evidence that older mothers are more likely to have a longer second stage of labour, because the muscles of the uterus do not work as well as women get older. This explains why speeding up labour with synthetic oxytocin to stimulate contractions is more common in older women. Stress can also disturb the delicate balance of hormones and natural chemicals in the baby.
What are the advantages of being an older mother during the birth?
Despite the real, perceived or potential risks, studies agree that the actual outcome for the baby is often every bit as good as that for younger mothers and the absolute risks of serious problems are very low for all age groups. This is shown by the Apgar scores which assess the baby's well-being immediately after birth. Birth statistics over recent decades show a huge swing in favour of delaying parenthood until 30s and beyond. In 2006, 48 percent of births in England Wales
If you have any problems relating to pregnancy, or are unsure whether osteopathy can help, it may be worthwhile coming to see us at Hashim Saifuddin Osteopathy, where we can explain your problems to you, why they occur and whether or not you are suitable for osteopathic treatment. Often this can be done via email or on the phone.
Visit http://www.hashim-osteopathy.co.uk/ for more information or feel free to email me on [email protected]
Thanks for reading!
Hashim Saifuddin (M.Ost DO ND)
GOsC Registered Osteopath
Osteopathy / Sports Osteopathy
Visit http://www.hashim-osteopathy.co.uk/ for more information or feel free to email me on [email protected]
Thanks for reading!
Hashim Saifuddin (M.Ost DO ND)
GOsC Registered Osteopath
Osteopathy / Sports Osteopathy
