Nowadays, modern women usually get married when they are older than earlier, and become pregnant at above 35 years, which means higher risks for complications to pregnancy. Dr. Wisit Khorsuwandee, M.D. obstetrician, who specializes in Obstetric & Gynecology, Maternal - Fetal Medicine, will give advice as follows:

What is the effect of age on pregnancy?

   There are no criteria of what is the optimum age to get pregnant. Physically, women aged 20-30 years are ready for pregnancy, but the ovarian function is slow after woman turn about 35 years old, which usually affect the fetus, and increase the risk for these conditions:

• - Infertility due to decreased ovulation or incomplete eggs.
• - Miscarriage without being awareness of a pregnancy, because it is misunderstood to be menstruation. Miscarriages because to some eggs are incomplete, ovarian hormone deficiency, etc. Risk of miscarriage at 25 years and at 40 years is 12-15% and 25 % respectively.
• - Fetal abnormalities, such as Down’s syndrome or fetal growth restriction, preborn with small size, hypoglycemia, or hyper heart rate because of incomplete function of the lungs.
• - Pregnant with complications, such as high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy, or a big size baby that is difficult to deliver. Therefore, pregnant women have to get "health check-up" in order to reduce the congenial disease.

   Pregnant women at 35 years of age and above should consider getting a health check-up, because they have a higher risk to get complications compared to younger women. In case of women with a family history with Down’s syndrome, toxemia pregnancy or other underlying diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes a doctor should be consulted to plan the pregnancy in advance, and make sure to get check-ups during pregnancy, as follows.

• 1.Ultrasound to determine date of conception and to examine the development of the fetus during pregnancy. Especially pregnant mothers above 35 years of age will focus on the detection for any signs of complications and fetal abnormalities.
• 2.Blood test to screen for Down’s syndrome, and other chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus.
• 3.Amniotic fluid study to diagnose for Down’s syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus.

How to have a healthy pregnancy at age 35+?

   You have to take care yourself before pregnancy, all way until giving birth

• 1. Get enough folic acid, because folic acid supports the brain and spine. Food with high folic acid are green vegetables, brown rice, banana, eggs, milk, etc. 
• 2. Eat the 5 food groups.
• 3. Get enough sleep, at least 8-10 hours/day.
• 4. Do not drink alcohol, and stop smoking.
• 5. Regular exercise has many benefits for mums-to-be, please consult your doctor about safe exercises
• 6. Do not take any medication without prescription, as much medicine can be passed to the fetus via the placenta and affect the fetus, potentially causing miscarriage.
• 7. Control weight, because being overweight can cause many complications, such as diabetes, hypertension, or toxemia pregnancy.
• 8. Try to keep a good emotional balance, because emotions can affect the baby.
• 9. Meet the doctor in every appointment in order to reduce the risk of any problems, so the doctor can treat on time.