Late Pregnancy Risks: Becoming a mother is the most special moment in every woman's life. It's a transformative experience, but as age increases, the body's biological clock slows down. In today's fast-paced world, many women are delaying motherhood due to career aspirations, financial stability, and personal goals. In Indian families, the concern about delayed motherhood is quite evident.

In most families, pressure to have children begins right after marriage, and women are advised not to delay. You often hear people say, "Your age will pass," or "There will be problems having children at an older age." But the question is, is there a right age to become a mother? Specifically, does conception really become difficult after 35?

In reality, the right age to become a mother depends on one's health. Conceiving at 35 is a signal from the body that it now requires more attention and care. Also, given the kind of lifestyle people lead today, women need more nutrition and care for their health. Let's find out what the ideal age for motherhood is from a health perspective, and how feasible it is to have a child after 35, and what precautions need to be taken.

What is considered the ideal age for motherhood?

Medically, the age range of 20 to 30 years is considered the safest and most naturally favorable for conception. At this age:

The quality of eggs is excellent.
Fertility is high.
Conception is possible quickly and naturally.
Pregnancy-related complications are less frequent.

But this doesn't mean that becoming a mother after 30 or 35 becomes risky or impossible. Today, millions of women are experiencing healthy pregnancies even after the age of 35, 38, and even 40. Deepika Padukone became a mother at 38, while Katrina Kaif became a mother at 42.  It simply requires a little awareness and careful monitoring by a doctor.

Why are there challenges in conceiving after 35? As a woman ages, certain natural biological changes occur in her body, such as:

Decreased number and quality of eggs

The supply of eggs is limited from birth. After age 35, the quality of eggs begins to decline, which can slightly reduce the chances of conception.

Increased risk of chromosomal problems

With age, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus increases, which can lead to miscarriage or birth defects.

Increased risk of pregnancy complications

The risk of problems such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and premature delivery increases after age 35, but these can be well-managed with modern treatments and regular checkups.

Decreased fertility

After age 40, the chances of natural conception decrease significantly. IVF or other options may be necessary in many cases.

How is a healthy pregnancy possible even after age 35?

Pre-conception counseling is crucial.

Before planning a pregnancy, women should consult a doctor. The doctor will recommend tests such as blood tests, hormone levels, pelvic exams, and ovarian reserve testing (AMH test). These tests provide an accurate assessment of your fertility status.

Take folic acid

Folic acid should be started at least 3 months before conception. This reduces the risk of neural tube defects.

Improve your lifestyle

If you are planning to become a mother, the most important thing is to change your lifestyle. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Get enough sleep, reduce stress through meditation, eat a balanced diet, and do yoga and light exercise. After age 35, the body needs more care. Do not ignore this.

Regular pregnancy checkups are mandatory.

After conception, more monitoring is needed. Checkups every 4 weeks, screenings, and sonograms make the pregnancy safer. Pregnancies after age 35 are often considered high-risk so that doctors can exercise greater caution.

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