Preparing for Pregnancy After 40

40' is that age after which a woman may face a lot of complications in getting pregnant and also during child-birth. Do not worry, you are a woman of the modern era and one who doesn't get petrified with any problem. It's your choice that you wanted to make a career and then get married, irrespective of your age.
Certain precautions need to be taken if you are planning to have a baby after 40. Here are those:

1. Fix an appointment with a gynecologist - A gynecologist is the perfect person to consult while preparing to get pregnant after 40. First and foremost have a complete medical check-up. If you have lifestyle diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure, you must definitely let your gynecologist know about it. As people age, they are bound to contract these lifestyle diseases and sometimes the medications for these conditions may be harmful for conception. Older women may also have conditions directly related to conception like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or endometriosis. It's better to identify any of these conditions before trying to conceive.

2. You can also ask the doctor a realistic time frame for resolving and managing any of these health conditions, in case you are diagnosed with one of these. The possibilities of getting pregnant after resolving these issues and any other concerns you may have.

3. Keep a positive attitude and leave everything on God and your medical practitioner and things will fall in place - A positive attitude is very important for a healthy pregnancy and delivery, so be calm and lift up all your worries in prayers.

4. It's also important to know whether you can continue with the medications you are on during pregnancy and breast-feeding - Whether it needs to be really resolved before getting pregnant or can it wait to be resolved till your baby is a bit older, your doctor will be able to guide you properly on this front.

5. You should clear even the slightest doubt you got regarding any matter to your gynecologist - This is to avoid frustration after the baby is born. The percentage of children born with chromosomal defects or Down syndrome is more among women giving birth after 40. Hence it's good to clear even your slightest doubt, be it a small tablet or capsule you have for your allergy. Leave no stone upturned in getting pregnant after 40, by exploring all possibilities and not leaving anything on chance.

Article Source: Sanjana
Image Source : Flickr