Pregnant And Peri-Menopausal: How To Cope With An Unplanned Pregnancy

When you're nearing menopause, the last thing you're probably expecting is to find out you're having a baby. You may feel confused and uncertain of what the future holds.

You probably wonder if your baby will be okay and how being pregnant at an older age will affect your own health and the ability to carry the pregnancy to term. Understanding the facts about late-in-life pregnancies can help you prepare for the coming months.

Should I be worried about my age?

After the age of 35, risks do increase with pregnancy, both for the mother and the baby. However, many women in their late 30's and even 40's have birthed children with no complications. In fact, many women today are choosing to begin their families later in life.

Studies show while the risk for birth defects is greater in babies born to older moms, the percentage is actually quite small. The increase in risks is about 5% for congenital disorders which equals out to a 95% chance of having a healthy baby.

Being an older mom does increase your risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes during the pregnancy. However, with careful monitoring and regular doctor visits, these risks can be reduced greatly.

Optimal health care

Seeking prenatal care early in pregnancy is vital for older moms. Your physician will discuss any current health conditions you have and will need to know what medications you are taking. Early screening can also be done to look for any conditions that may affect the outcome of the pregnancy.

You should eat a healthy diet consisting of plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Drink plenty of water and stay active. Keeping your body in the best shape possible can be beneficial during labor and delivery.

Consider counseling

An unexpected pregnancy is stressful at any age, but can be especially distressing for an older woman. You may be enjoying your career or the empty nest. Maybe you were looking forward to spending more time traveling with your husband. It's normal to have feelings of anger and resentment.

Your life is going to change drastically in the coming months. Pregnancy counseling can help you come to terms with your emotional ups and downs. Having a healthy mind is just as crucial as having a healthy body during pregnancy.

Finding out you're pregnant when you're nearing menopause can send you into a state of panic. Try to remain calm and consider your options. Make a prenatal appointment immediately and discuss your options with your healthcare provider. Seek counseling to come to terms with your feelings regarding the pregnancy and to discuss your fears. Contact a company such as All Women's Clinic for more advice and information.

Try to keep things in perspective. Sometimes the most unexpected events in life turn out to be the greatest blessings.


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