With the increased pace of life and career goals hitting women as much as men, getting pregnant after a certain age has become common. Getting pregnant after 35 years of age, though called risky is now becoming common, and contrary to the misconception there are more and more couples over 35 having healthy babies. So what are the points you should keep in mind while getting pregnant after 35. Read on to find out.

getting pregnant after 35 years of age

  • Probably the most difficult challenge for you would be to at all conceive once you are over 35 with chances of conceiving reduced by half after the age of thirty five to becoming 5 times less likely after the forties. Couples may have to try for more than two years for getting pregnant in the first place. Keeping track of your basal temperature and cervical fluids will give an idea of what is the best time for intercourse to help you get pregnant.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight. Before planning for a baby see to it that you are physically fit and are at an ideal body weight. Also during pregnancy, make sure to gain the recommended amount of weight as this will reduce the chances of the baby growing too slow or risk of a preterm birth, and also reduce health complications like high blood pressure and gestational diabetes.
  • Exercising regularly is crucial for maintaining a healthy body weight. However, be careful about the type of exercises you choose to do during and before pregnancy. Consult a qualified medical practitioner for this for figuring out if your present exercise routine will serve you or you need to make modifications to the same.
  • Eat a healthy well balanced diet. Consult a nutritionist to chalk up a proper diet plan for yourself that would help you get all the nutrients from your food and keep you fit and energetic without loading on extra pounds. Go for those green leafy veggies and lots of protein. Also be sure to include 3 to 4 servings of dairy and calcium rich products like milk, cheese, yogurt. Include lots of fruits and you have a healthy meal to keep you and your baby healthy and strong.
  • Take some prenatal medication like folic acid that will help you conceive and carry a healthy foetus. It is advisable to consult your gynaecologist who will probably prescribe you a dose of prenatal vitamins and folic acid. Folic acid will help the foetus to grow healthy and reduce chances of complication to the baby in respect to defects in the brain and spinal cord. It also reduces the chances of a miscarriage that is so common in pregnancies after 35.
  • As in all pregnancies, stay away from alcohol and smoking. The nicotine and the alcohol has an adverse effect on the pregnancy or the baby forming inside the womb and may give rise to several complications in the foetus.
  • Last but not the least, take care of your mental health as well as stress and depression can have an adverse effect not only on your health but the chances of getting pregnant.