Middle-aged pregnancies are more common than ever in the US, with American women delaying motherhood to build a career. But you may probably feel apprehensive about embracing a pregnancy with a forty-plus body. After all, age affects the quality of eggs and the physical strength needed to bear the load of pregnancy. The risk factors increase if your partner is also on the other side of forty because aging also has a far-reaching influence on sperm quality. Thankfully, you can do your bit to ensure a positive outcome by preparing your body to support a healthy baby. Here are a few actionable pregnancy planning tips for women over forty.
Maintain a healthy weight
A healthy weight is the mainstay of a safe pregnancy, regardless of a woman’s age. Consider switching to a plant-based diet with more anti-inflammatory foods once you have a conception in mind. Maximize your iron intake and load up on vitamin C, as it boosts iron absorption. Also, steer clear of culprits like sugar, processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol as these foods add empty calories and cause inflammation. Staying active is also a key factor to maintain optimal weight.
Choose your workouts wisely
While regular exercise helps you stay fit and fertile, you must choose your workouts wisely if planning a pregnancy after forty. Avoid strenuous forms of exercise and extra long hours in the gym because excessive activity can disrupt your menstrual cycle. Consider toning down a bit with low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga. You may also seek advice from a personal trainer in this context.
See a specialist
Late pregnancies have inherent risks and complications, and overlooking them will not help. You can deal with the risks better by taking a proactive approach. Consider seeing a specialist to get pre-conception guidance and assess your risk factors. You may also consult a fertility expert to seek help. Fortunately, you can find such specialists across the country. Check reputable gynecology doctors in idaho falls if you live in this area. They can recommend the best treatment options to address your risk factors and maximize your chances of a healthy conception.
Start prenatal supplements
Prenatal supplements make a vital element of conception planning. Women over forty need to go the extra mile with supplementation because they are more likely to experience deficiencies due to aging. Your doctor may recommend folic acid and omega-3 supplements three months before planning a pregnancy. Maintaining a supplement regime lowers the risks of birth defects and promotes the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Steer clear of stress
Although stress is a part of the modern lifestyle, it can hinder your chances of conception. You may also encounter issues like poor fetal growth and gestational hypertension due to stress. Embrace stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and aromatherapy as a part of pregnancy planning. You may also consider seeing a therapist if anxiety seems to be beyond control.
Pregnancy is a transformative time for a woman, and it gets trickier when you delay it until your forties. However, you can follow these simple tips to prepare your body and mind for a healthy pregnancy, regardless of your age.