How to give birth to a baby naturally. How to give birth naturally How to give birth after

Christmas

You got pregnant. Well, it seems like you should be happy, but for some reason there are only questions in your head “maybe it’s too late?”, “will I be able to give birth to a healthy child?”, and all because you are no longer a girl, and your age has exceeded your fourth decade. Do you think that child after 40 cannot be born healthy, because this period is the most dangerous for childbearing?
Throw all doubts and nonsense out of your head. Start enjoying the fact that you will soon become a mother, and believe that your pregnancy will be without complications. Of course, doctors will tell you that giving birth at this age is dangerous, and the pregnancy itself will be difficult.

If you have definitely decided for yourself that you are ready to become a mother, do not back down. By the way, after 40 world stars gave birth to their children, such as Madonna, Iman, Annette Bening, Cherie Blair, Susan Saradon and Jerry Hall.

We propose to consider the most popular questions that arise among those who are planning to give birth to a child after 40 years.

At what age is a woman considered to be a late mother?

In the early 80s, “late” mothers were considered those who gave birth to children after 28 years of age, and in the 90s, those women whose age was over 35 began to be called “old mothers”. Nowadays most often “late” women in labor include women over 37 years of age.

What are the chances of having a baby after 40?

As a woman ages, her chances of becoming pregnant steadily decrease. After 30 years they fall by 20%, from 35 years - by 45-50%, and from 40 years - by about 90%. Of course, these numbers in no way mean that having a child after 40 is an unfulfilled dream.

It is possible to give birth, and this was confirmed by North Carolina scientists who conducted observation for two years for 782 pairs old age. The results showed that only 70 couples failed to conceive a child after having sex without condoms for two years. Chief researcher David Dunson believes that couples who want to have a child after 40 should have patience and wait, while not forgetting about maintaining a constant sex life. As a result, the intervention of modern reproductive technology can be avoided, unless there are compelling reasons for doing so.

Why do women give birth so late?

If you compare how forty-year-old women lived 10-30 years ago and how they live now, you can observe a high improving quality of life. Today, such women have good health, can take care of themselves by visiting fitness centers and spa centers, and modern medicine can work real miracles. Dr Julia Berryman believes that Women over 40 are more ready for pregnancy, since they have already taken place in life, have a good job and all other benefits.

What percentage are mature women in labor?

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of women giving birth in adulthood. Today, a child after 40 is born to 2% of pregnant women. Recent studies indicate that out of seven pregnant women, one pregnant woman is over 35 years old.

Does a man's age affect pregnancy after 40?

Scientists at the University of Bristol conducted a study which showed that Mature women have to wait longer to become pregnant if their partner is the same age.

Thus, it has been proven that a woman who is 3-5 years younger than a man is less likely to get pregnant after 40 than a woman whose man is her same age or 2-3 years younger. British researchers confirmed this fact. They interviewed several women who indicated that their child after 40 was born from men who were several years younger than them.

What else can interfere with pregnancy after 40?

The following can prevent you from conceiving a child:

  • Incorrect nutrition.
  • Excessive use coffee. If you drink more than two cups a day, your ability to conceive decreases, and the risk of miscarriage also increases.
  • Use alcohol.
  • Smoking after 35 years, there is a risk of congenital deformity of the fetus and the birth of a low-weight child.
  • Thinness and fatness also negatively affects the birth of children in adulthood.
  • Stress. The more nervous and worried a woman is, the less chance she has of having a baby after 40.
Should you seek help from doctors?

In adulthood, when she has already exceeded 35, a woman begins perimenopause, When it is very difficult to catch the days of ovulation. That is why it is best to seek help from a doctor who will determine what can be done. Most likely, he will develop a special diet and prescribe vitamins. Some doctors advise their patients to undergo acupuncture, which has a positive effect on the development of ovulation.

What effect does age have on pregnancy?

The older a person gets, the more likely he is to develop any diseases. As a rule, closer to 40, many women experience chronic disorders, including diabetes. In addition, blood pressure may increase, and the risk of malignant tumors is very high. Of course, such violations negatively affect the birth of children after 40.

And even if a woman does not have any diseases, hypertension, diabetes and bleeding can occur at any time during pregnancy.

Postpartum complications increase already at the age of 20-29, but most often, and this is 20%, they appear at the age of 35-40 years. As a rule, with the development of modern medicine, any pregnancy disorders are recognized already in the early stages, therefore, there is a greater chance that a child after 40 years will be born healthy.

How is childbirth in adulthood?

Often, in order to give birth after 40, women have to stimulate labor, do epidural anesthesia. Many women in labor cannot give birth on their own, so they are given C-section.

Some studies show that a lot depends from the mood of the women in labor themselves. Those who understand everything more clearly are more likely to comply with doctors’ requests and agree to a caesarean section.

Does the risk of having a caesarean section increase as you get older?

So far such dependence not installed. Surgical intervention has the same percentage both at 30 and at forty years.

Can the age of the mother affect the development of the child?

High probability that a child will be born after 40 unhealthy or developmentally disabled. There is a high risk of having a child with a disease such as Down syndrome.

According to recent studies, after 30 years, one child in 400 is born with Down, and after 40, one in 32. In addition, late births can end ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and stillbirth. It has not yet been possible to establish the cause of stillbirth in older pregnant women, while out of 440 babies today one is born dead.

What is the percentage of miscarriages in mature women?

Miscarriages have become a frequent occurrence in our lives. Compared to young women in labor, The risk of miscarriage in mature women is approximately 50% higher. Childbirth after 40 most often has this outcome.

Here, by the way, obstetric and genealogical history plays a role. It is not difficult to understand that women who have never had a miscarriage have a lower risk of miscarriage at the age of 40 than those who have experienced such a pregnancy outcome at least once in their lives.

How often does preterm birth occur?

A child after 40 years of age can be born prematurely, but only if the woman gives birth not my first child. Those expecting their first child most often give birth on time.

Does the risk of having twins or triplets increase with age?

The older the woman, the greater the likelihood that she will give birth to more than one child. But there is a greater chance of fertility fraternal twins.

There is an opinion that older children are more prone to diabetes. Is it so?

Yes, whether late children develop type 1 diabetes depends on how old the mother was at the time of birth. At the age of 35 it is about 25%, after forty 30% or more.

For example, a woman can give birth to a child after 40, who will develop diabetes in adolescence, and the likelihood is 3 times higher than for children born to young mothers.

Should a pregnant woman be under increased medical supervision?

Yes, a pregnant woman should most often go to the doctor, get tested and undergo various studies.

What is the probability that the doctor will prescribe surgery?

Yes, Doctors today tend to play it safe, prescribing a cesarean section to women in labor instead of a normal birth. But today, all over the world, based on practice, doctors are trying to avoid such actions, increasingly directing mothers to natural childbirth.

Maybe it's better to refuse to have a child?

There is a certain risk of having a child after 40 years of age, but this is not a reason to refuse pregnancy. After all a healthy woman and at that age can give birth to a completely healthy child.

What types of tests are used to diagnose pregnancy in “late” mothers?

There are two types of tests used in the process of monitoring a pregnant woman. This scanning and diagnostics. Scanning tests provide only preliminary conclusions about the likely presence of deviations:

Study of hormonal levels in the blood. Used to identify the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome. Duration: 16-18 weeks of pregnancy.

Ultrasonography also used to detect various abnormalities, including Down syndrome and various genetic disorders. A child over 40 is examined at 10-18 weeks of pregnancy.

Diagnostic tests provide more accurate and reliable information:

Chorionic test (CVS)- uterine cells are taken for research, during the diagnosis of which the presence or absence of Down syndrome, as well as some other genetic disorders, is revealed. The test is carried out at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy, the accuracy of the study is 99.9%.

Amniosentesis used to study amniotic fluid, during which the diagnosis of muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome and many other genetic disorders occurs. The data obtained is 99.9% accurate. Dates: 16-19 weeks of pregnancy.

Alpha fetoprotein- blood test, which is carried out at 15-18 weeks. Used to identify Down syndrome and nervous system defects.

Cordocentesis is a fetal blood test that helps detect rubella, toxoplasmosis and Down syndrome. Performed at 18 weeks of pregnancy.

Are the tests dangerous for mother and baby?

All tests do not pose a danger to the pregnant woman and her fetus, with the exception of amniosentesis, chorionic test and cordosenthesis. When taking uterine cells for research, there is risk of miscarriage, and this can happen in one out of 100 cases. The risk of miscarriage during cordocentesis and chorionic test is 1-2%.

Should every woman do these tests?

No, not necessarily. Usually, every fifth woman, planning to give birth to a child after 40 years, refuses from passing such tests. This is their right, but it should be remembered that in some cases, doing this or that test is simply necessary from a medical point of view.

Is it true that mature women cope better with their children?

Research shows that “mature” mothers are calmer, more balanced and, as a rule, spend more time with their child. Life experience, accumulated over many years, makes itself felt precisely during the period of raising children. As a rule, they better understanding of purchases. By the way, according to statistics, children of “late” mothers are more well-mannered and have improved performance at school.

Can the birth of a child be a shock for the mother?

Undoubtedly, before this, the woman devoted her entire life to herself, and now she needs to be near the baby 24 hours a day. Fatigue, which is inherent in young mothers, does not leave those who gave birth to a child after 40.

There is an opinion that mature mothers live longer

Research conducted by scientists at the University of Manchester showed that Women who give birth at the age of 35-40 have a greater chance of living to 80-90 years. It was not possible to establish the reasons for this, but there is an assumption that the increase in the life span of old-time mothers is associated with delaying menopause to a later date.

They gave birth to late children
  • Geena Davis gave birth to a daughter, Alize Keshvar, at the age of 46. Two years later, twins appeared in the family.
  • Kim Basinger gave birth to a daughter, Ireland, at 42.
  • Beverly D, Angelo At the age of 46, she gave birth to twins using artificial insemination.
  • Great Madonna She gave birth to her first child, daughter Lourdes, at the age of 40, and 2 years later her son Rocco was born. Hearing rumors that she was supposedly going to adopt a baby, the great star threatened to sue, as she was actually accused of not being able to have any more children. Most likely, the pop diva will decide to give birth to her third child in the near future.

The birth of a baby is a happy moment, and it doesn’t matter how old the mother is. I would like to once again wish future “late” mothers patience and good mood. You will definitely be fine. So be prepared for the fact that all your time will be spent on the little creature. Isn't this a woman's happiness?

When you see a woman with a stroller on the street, it is not always easy to determine who it is: an elderly mother or a young grandmother? Now a woman can become a mother, regardless of age.

More and more women are deciding to have their first or subsequent children at the age of 35-40 years and older. Some researchers attribute this trend to the development of early prenatal diagnostic technologies, which gives families confidence in the birth of a healthy child.

Over the past 25 years, the number of women becoming pregnant between the ages of 35 and 40 has increased by 90%. Over the years, medicine has accumulated significant information about the characteristics of pregnancy and childbirth in the late reproductive period. What difficulties will the expectant mother face?

According to statistics, a woman under 30 years of age is more likely to become pregnant
within one month it is 20%, and at 40 years of age it sharply drops to 5%.
Therefore, women planning pregnancy after 35 should
It is recommended to seek medical help
after six months of unsuccessful attempts.

Probability of conception after 35

The ability to conceive begins to gradually decline after age 30. It's connected with:

  • decrease in the number of ovulatory cycles;
  • increasing incidence of endometriosis with age;
  • increasing the likelihood of tubal infertility;
  • high frequency of extragenital diseases.

Pregnancy over 35 years of age

Women over 35 years old are automatically at risk for developing pregnancy pathologies. However, statistics show that if the expectant mother takes care of herself and is in good health, then her pregnancy can be as successful as at 20 years old. What pitfalls should a pregnant woman beware of?

  • In women of late reproductive age, the risk of miscarriages increases.
  • More often, abnormal development of the placenta occurs.
  • There is a high risk of exacerbation and appearance of somatic diseases, pregnancy complications: arterial hypertension, gestosis, eclampsia, bleeding, premature birth, pregnancy diabetes.

Features of childbirth over 35 years of age

As a result of a decrease in the elasticity of the uterus and soft tissues, and hormonal imbalance in women over 35 years of age, the likelihood of labor weakness increases, which leads to an increase in the duration of labor. The risk of uterine and perineal rupture increases. Childbirth is often complicated by large blood loss.

The first birth over the age of 35-40 is more difficult than repeated births and more often ends by caesarean section.

Late pregnancy: risk for the baby

The biggest problem of late pregnancy is the relatively high chance of having a baby with a genetic abnormality. This trend is associated primarily with the aging of germ cells and the accumulation of genetic mutations in the mother’s body. Over the years, the harmful effects of various teratogenic and mutagenic factors on the body accumulate: toxic products, ionizing radiation, and others.

Pregnant women in the older age category have a higher risk of premature birth and low fetal weight, which reduces the adaptive potential of the newborn.

Pregnancy in late reproductive age is more common
multiple So, the age of 35-39 years is considered the peak of the birth of twins.

After 35: secrets to a successful pregnancy

Despite all but, most of the desired late pregnancies are successful and end in the birth of a healthy baby. However, if a woman of 20 can afford some frivolity, then a woman over 35 will need to be especially sensitive to her health.

1. When planning a pregnancy, it is advisable to undergo a comprehensive examination and treatment of chronic diseases - gynecological and somatic. Pregnancy after the age of 35 should not be accidental.

2. It is necessary to register with an antenatal clinic in the early stages and undergo timely examination during pregnancy.

3. It is important to strictly follow the diet and regimen, not to overload yourself with work, and monitor your weight and blood pressure.

4. Screening during pregnancy for early detection or exclusion of the risk of congenital pathology of the fetus is of particular relevance.

Expert: Tatyana Ivanova, gynecologist
Tatyana Uzonina

Photos used in this material belong to shutterstock.com

It may seem to many that planning a pregnancy is not mandatory for a couple, since in their understanding, conception is a natural process that does not require additional preparation. However, in practice things are a little different.

The birth of children in a family is an extremely responsible step, especially when it comes to the first-born. Before the baby is born, parents have only a superficial idea of ​​how much attention and care the child requires. In this case, the couple begins to bear responsibility for the offspring even before its birth, starting from the moment of conception.

Pregnancy planning:

  1. Stages of pregnancy planning.

Why is it so important to plan your pregnancy?

Unfortunately, inexorable progress also has its downside, which negatively affects people’s health and their reproductive function. Among the main factors that have a detrimental effect on reproduction are: environmental degradation, decreased food quality, fast pace of life, etc. In such conditions, the chance of conceiving and giving birth to a healthy child is reduced significantly.

One should also add to the negative factors that during pregnancy a woman’s body is subject to various stresses, her immune, endocrine and nervous systems suffer, and vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, liver, etc. work at an increased rate. Thus, the process of bearing a fetus in modern conditions becomes a real test for both the expectant mother and her baby.


It is, of course, impossible to completely eliminate negative external factors or relieve the body of the stress to which it is exposed during gestation. However, with the help of pregnancy planning, you can minimize all risks in order to preserve the health of the mother and ensure the health of her baby.


Stages of pregnancy planning

First stage

Initially, it is necessary to prepare psychologically for the birth of a child. The decision to have a child in the family must literally mature. It is important that such a decision is mutual. You should not insist if one of the partners is not yet ready for such a serious step.

Second phase

If the couple nevertheless decides to have a child, the second stage begins, which includes preparing the body of the mother and father for conception. This stage includes an initial consultation with specialists and doctors who will help assess the health of the future parents and their readiness for the birth of a baby. Often such a consultation is accompanied by a series of medical tests. Such studies are aimed at identifying risk factors and eliminating them.

Third stage

At the third stage, future parents must give up bad habits. This applies to both women and men. It is necessary to limit alcohol consumption and stop smoking altogether. Experts recommend quitting smoking several months before the planned conception, so that the body has time to cope with the stress that accompanies quitting cigarettes, and nicotine and other harmful tobacco products leave the body completely.

Fourth stage

The fourth stage of preparation for pregnancy includes a special diet. It is important that the products that end up on the table of future parents are of high quality. At the same time, it is worth strictly limiting the consumption of junk food, which puts additional stress on the body’s vital systems. This diet should be as varied as possible. You cannot deny yourself the consumption of foods that are sources of vitamins and microelements, as well as meat and seafood. If recommended by a doctor, the diet can be enhanced with a special vitamin and mineral complex.

Modern society is subject to the trend of late family planning. Increasingly, families come to the decision to have a baby when parents reach the age of 30+. And if for a man the age factor is less significant, then for women it is decisive in matters of preparation for pregnancy and childbirth.

A woman who decides to become a mother after 35 years of age, in addition to the standard consultation procedure with doctors, must undergo a special genetic examination. The thing is that late pregnancy and childbirth increase the risk of possible genetic diseases in the baby.

In addition, the body resources of a woman aged 25 and 35 have a significant difference. Older mothers are more often susceptible to various complications during pregnancy, which can affect both the condition of the mother and the fetus.

Pregnancy planning: video