Although the risks associated with pregnancy after 40 are numerous and sometimes unavoidable, there are several strategies that women over 40 can use to reduce these risks. These are the basic rules for a healthy pregnancy:
- Plan for pregnancy by seeing a high risk specialist before you conceive. Medical conditions, medications and immunizations can be assessed and reviewed at this time.
- Take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before you become pregnant and through the first month of pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects.
- Get early and regular prenatal care.
- Be sure to get a proper amount of exercise before during and after your pregnancy
- Make sure you follow a healthy diet.
- Stop drinking alcohol before you try to conceive, and continue to avoid alcohol during pregnancy.
- Don’t smoke during pregnancy and avoid secondhand smoke. It’s best to quit before you become pregnant.
- Don’t use any drug, even over-the-counter medications or herbal preparations, unless recommended by a health care provider who knows that you are pregnant.
Regular appointments with your doctor through out your pregnancy are important to monitor your health and prevent or control any problems that may develop during pregnancy.
For the majority of women over age 40, early prenatal care and good health habits will result in a healthy baby and a happy mother!