A lot has been said on the subject of pregnancy over 35, leaving many of us wondering just how much of it is based on facts. For starters, there are those who believe that anyone who conceives after 35 is bound to require fertility treatments. Or worse, give birth to mentally retarded children. And of course, there are those who fall on the other extreme, who end up throwing the baby with the bath water. While modern-day medicine has done a lot to alleviate age-related risks, it’s important to be aware of just what kind of risks you’re opening yourself to, when you decide to postpone your baby plans.

Infertility: The risk of infertility significantly increases as we age. And this is probably the first road-block you’re likely to encounter when you delay your pregnancy. Women who try conceiving post 35 are often surprised when they don’t have immediate results. This is because of a reduction in the number of eggs as well as hormonal changes that alter ovulation. Of course, infertility treatments are always available for those who need it.

Fertility treatments and risks: Fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF SEO ) when successful, often result in multiple births. This further increases the risk of pre-eclampsia and pre-mature birth.

Chromosomal Abnormalities: Older mothers are more prone to giving birth to babies with Down’s Syndrome or Edward’s syndrome. While the percentage isn’t high (1 in 400), it is still significantly higher than 25 year old mothers (1 in 1250). These conditions further increase the risk of miscarriage and still birth.

Pregnancy Complications: 35+ mothers also have a tendency to encounter complications during pregnancy. The most common, yet serious conditions include gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related hypertension (pre-eclampsia). The mothers therefore, have to be extremely cautious and have to be monitored regularly to ensure everything is normal.

C-sections: Cesarean sections are also commonplace among older women. According to a study, the c-section rate among older women was 28% compared to 9% in younger women. The most common reasons being:

• Fetal distress – where the heartbeat of the baby falls way below the regular count, thereby leading to an emergency c-section.

• Cephalopelvic disproportion – Where the pelvis of the mother is too small for the baby to pass through.

• Breech presentations – Where the baby is positioned bottoms down as opposed to heads down, is also another common cause of c-sections in older women.

With that said, most of these risks and complications can be addressed by modern medicine, a well-equipped hospital and an experienced medical professional. So as long as you’re aware and have made an informed choice, all you need to do is stay positive and give it your best shot.

Good luck and happy 35+ pregnancy!