Doctors can discuss available tests and screenings that can help identify possible problems. “Ultrasounds can find abnormalities,” Dr. Brown says. “Getting in early is really important. There is non-invasive testing for Down syndrome. We also do an anatomy scan in the second term that gives you an opportunity to pick up birth defects or abnormalities.” Have a preconception appointment All women can benefit from a preconception appointment, but it’s especially important for women over 35. Women who are considering getting pregnant should have a health screening with their general practitioner to review medical history and surgical history, and to help establish a healthy lifestyle prior to pregnancy. “The primary care doctor
can screen for any condition like diabetes and also give recommendations for a healthy weight,” Dr. Brown says. “An OB/ GYN can do a well-woman exam and counsel you on what to do.” Dr. Brown encourages any woman anticipating pregnancy to start a prenatal vitamin with folic acid. Women should get to a healthy weight and make necessary lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and alcohol or other drugs and starting a healthy diet. She points out that obesity exacerbates problems such as diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy. Doctors can also do genetic testing for many conditions, including cystic fibrosis. The bottom line Dr. Brown says women should know the risks of pregnancy at an older age and how those risks increase as women approach age 40 and older.
“If you are considering being pregnant over 35,” she says, “talk to your doctor. The overall risk is still low; it’s just an increased risk. Even if you’re healthy without pre-existing conditions, you’re still at increased risk because of your age.” Your doctor can educate you on potential problems, assess your individual risk, and talk to you about screenings, tests, and how various conditions and difficulties can be handled. “People do need to know the risks of miscarriage, birth defects, chromosome problems, and pregnancy complications, such as hypertension and gestational diabetes, as well as risks at the time of delivery,” Dr. Brown says. “If you are 35 or older, your pregnancy will be monitored more closely. Get early prenatal care. There’s a lot we can do early, screen for, and watch for.”
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