What are risks to older women who are pregnant?

Numerous: Pregnancy changes the body in multiple ways. In a young indiviual , these changes generally are well adapted to, but can be taxing to some even at that age. An older pregnant woman may be at risk for a lot of things like, chromosomal abnormalities in the baby, diabetes, hypertension, preterm labor, to name a few. Although there may be increased complications, a normal pregnancy is still possible.

Chronic conditions: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity etc, are more common the older one becomes. This in turn complicates pregnancy accordingly as the medical problems need to be addressed during the pregnancy. If one is healthy, pregnancy at an older age generally goes very well with good outcomes. Inordinate fatigue and generalized aches and pains lead the list of complaints in my practice.