Have a Healthy Baby at Age 45 - Make a visit with your ob-gyn as soon as possible. Get a thorough physical and discuss your medical history and risk factors for the pregnancy. Women over 45 years of age have a higher risk of stillbirths, miscarriages, hypertension and diabetes when pregnant. Babies born to women 45 years old have a 6 to 8 percent risk of having some sort of birth defect, such as Down syndrome.
Take a prenatal vitamin every day. This will ensure that your body is receiving the proper amount of vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid, calcium and iron, which are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Calcium supplements are especially important at the age of 45 because calcium levels in the body have decreased due to a decline in estrogen. Folic acid reduces the risk of fetal abnormalities.
Have a Healthy Baby at Age 45
Eat a healthy diet to ensure your baby gets the proper nutrition and to prevent gaining too much wait during the pregnancy. Women at age 45 have a higher tendency to gain weight due to loss of muscle mass and not being able to burn as many calories as a result.
Get plenty of rest. Pregnant women, especially those 35 to 45 years of age, commonly have sleep problems due to frequent urination, emotional stress, discomfort and sleepiness in the daytime. Pregnant women, however, need more sleep than those who aren't pregnant. Sleep for 8 to 10 hours for optimal health benefits.
Exercise moderately if this is approved by your physician. Exercising makes you feel better, look better, and prepares your body for birthing. It also decreases the chance that a 45-year-old will gain too much weight. Discuss your exercise plans with your doctor before beginning a workout regimen.
Though the risk for birth defects and medical complications for both mother and baby increase with age, you can have a healthy baby at age 45. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor. Your chances of having a healthy baby are best if you are in good health before becoming pregnant, though there are measures you can take to improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy. - by eHow
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