Pregnancy is normally a very happy time in a woman’s life. However, for women over forty, it can also be scary and unnerving. Women who get pregnant in their later years run a higher health risk for themselves as well as their baby. The normal roller coaster of emotions that comes with every pregnancy is magnified in the face of the added risks and necessary preventative measures. Women over forty who wish to have children can better increase their chances of having a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby by taking extra measures in preparing for the pregnancy.
Psychological Preparation
First, the would-be mother needs to be mentally ready to have a child. Whether it was a conscious decision to have children later in life or just how life worked out, it no longer matters. The mind needs to now focus on the fact that a baby is coming that will need support and guidance as well as love. Making some big decisions early on, regarding things like breastfeeding and gender testing, will free up the parents’ minds and energies for other important tasks, like contacting current employers to arrange for maternity leave and selecting a physician. According to a high-risk pregnancy specialist, found here on LinkedIn, the chances of having twins or triplets increases as you get older. This can simply be due to maternal age or due to fertility treatments. Preparing for this possibility is a good idea—even if you weren’t expecting to have multiple babies, it’s always best to be ready. It is also a good idea to read and study up on pregnancy and parenting before jumping in.
Emotional Preparation
Second, it is important that the mother, as well as the father and other family members, be emotionally ready for the bundle of joy’s journey and arrival. This requires lots of communication with the mother’s default support team, usually consisting of her spouse, immediate family and closest friends. Many mothers find it useful to write in a journal or a baby book during their pregnancy. It helps them focus their mind and energy on the joys rather than the fears.
Physical Preparation
Third, it’s true that older women may have more difficulty conceiving, carrying and birthing a child. However, eating a well-balanced diet rich in proteins, folic acids, vitamins and nutrients such as Omega-3, iron and potassium, can decrease the risks of many common pregnancy complications such as hypertension and anemia. Maintaining a good balance of exercise and rest is advised. Remembering to monitor and maintain any current medical complications, such as diabetes or asthma, can also reduce the chance of having issues during pregnancy as well as in labor. It is best to eliminate unhealthy habits, such as smoking, before getting pregnant.
Environmental Preparation
The final priority is preparing the home. This needs to be a joint endeavor for everyone in the household. Decide what space will be designated to the baby and make a list of necessary furnishings and accessories for the room. Next, take exact measurements of the space, as well as each furnishing item needed, to be sure there is enough room. Finally, create a layout and design for the room including theme and color scheme. Having a preplan for the baby’s room will alleviate the burden of trying to throw something together just prior to baby’s arrival. It will also provide baby-present shoppers with a template for their unique and thoughtful gift giving. Don’t forget about the rest of the house though. Whether done for the child’s safety, the parents’ peace of mind or both, it is advisable to take preventative measures throughout the houses such as latches on cabinets and baby gates for stairways.
Once all of the necessary preparations have been made, mother is in good health and both parents are mentally and emotionally ready, there is nothing left to do but start making babies. For women over forty, troubles conceiving do happen. In this case, consult a doctor who can help determine whether fertility therapy is needed.