An obstetrician explains what women can do to increase the odds of having a healthy baby
A growing number of women are having their first child later in life. Between 2000 and 2014 the proportion of first births to women ages 35 and older rose by 23 percent, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. About 9 percent of women have their first child at age 35 or older. While this is considered “advanced maternal age,” it’s very possible to have a healthy baby. Amanda Francis, DO, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset and the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group’s Roseland Ob/gyn, explains how to prepare for pregnancy.
What can a woman do to increase her odds of getting pregnant?
The quality of a woman’s eggs starts to decline between the ages of 35 and 40—and markedly after 40—but it’s still possible to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. Older maternal age increases the risks for the pregnancy and mother. The best way to mitigate any anxiety or concerns is to schedule a preconception visit. During this appointment, you and your ob/gyn can discuss any medical conditions you have and what you can do to prepare for pregnancy.
How can you get in the best possible shape for pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time to optimize your health. This can be done through lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, staying up to date on recommended vaccines and having regular dental cleanings. In addition, it’s important to have annual gynecologic checkups and take prenatal vitamins. Since many women don’t find out they’re pregnant until they’re seven or eight weeks along, it’s important to take prenatal vitamins when you start trying to conceive. The most important component of these vitamins is folic acid, which can help prevent certain birth defects when taken in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy (first trimester).
Once you’re pregnant, how can you prepare for childbirth?
While women who are 35 or older are at increased risk for health problems during pregnancy, good prenatal care can help identify many of those risks and possibly decrease some of the associated problems. When you see your ob/gyn, mention any physical and emotional changes—from nausea and cravings to changes in mood and energy. Also, come to your appointments with questions. Write them down or put them in your smartphone. A birth plan is a great way to begin a discussion about labor and delivery. While pregnancy and childbirth are unpredictable by nature, a plan can address issues such as pain management so that you feel in control of the process as much as possible.
What is unique about the maternity services at RWJUH Somerset?
We provide personalized, high-quality care. Our anesthesiologists and neonatologists are on-call 24/7 and we have a Level II nursery ,which can care for premature babies born as early as 32 weeks. Our nursing staff provides breastfeeding support and can offer access to lactational consultants when necessary. Our staff is knowledgeable and ready to help. In addition, all of the rooms in the labor and postpartum units are private.
Learn more about maternity services at RWJ University Hospital Somerset, or call 888.724.7123