November 2017
The Unbearable Lightness of Aging

Growing old: The unbearable lightness of ageing | Jane Caro | TEDxSouthBank
Growing old: The unbearable lightness of ageing | Jane Caro | TEDxSouthBank

Aging is a gift, according to Jane Caro -- author, novelist, lecturer, mentor, social commentator, columnist, workshop facilitator, speaker, broadcaster and award winning advertising writer. In this funny, insightful and at times challenging TEDx talk she encourages all women to embrace aging. 
Fertility Tips for Women over 35 
 
Fertility Tips for Women Over 35 -- The Doctors
Fertility Tips for Women Over 35 -- The Doctors

Having a baby is still an option for women over the age of 35. In this short clip from the show 'The Doctors,' OB/GYN Dr. Lisa Masterson and fertility specialist Dr. Millie Bahara share tips and solutions every woman should know about fertility, especially over the age of 35.
Resources


Evidence Based Birth® is an organization that believes in putting birth research evidence in the hands of the people who need it the most: birthing people and their families. In 2012, Evidence Based Birth® was created as a trusted, non-biased source for the most current, evidence-based information on pregnancy and childbirth. For information on pregnancy after age 35, view their most recent article on Advanced Maternal Age.


The Advanced Maternal Age Project is a Texas nonprofit organization designed to provide support to women and couples who made the choice to start their family at age 35 or better. Their website provides resources for advanced age pregnant women, information for healthcare professionals to support their more mature patients, and a safe place where women can share their stories of challenge and joy in conceiving, pregnancy and childbirth through to motherhood.


HealthyWomen is the nation's leading independent, nonprofit health information source for women. Their mission is to educate and empower women to make informed health choices for themselves and their families. HealthyWomen provides objective, research-based health information reviewed by medical experts to ensure its accuracy. View their health tips for women in their 30s and 40s.


Woman's Day magazine serves up simple, but sound ideas about health, food, family, relationships, home and style. In their piece, " Health Musts for Every Decade," Woman's Day explains the important tests and tips for women to be aware of as they travel through their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s.
The Later Reproductive Years
 
They say that age is nothing but a number, when it comes to having a baby past the age of 35, (unfortunately) it's one that we need to pay more attention to. This month we highlight the "later" reproductive years, what to expect, and how to ensure your health for, what many argue, is the most fulfilling time of your life.
 
Pregnancy after Age 35
If you're older than age 35 and hoping to get pregnant, you're in good company. Many women are delaying pregnancy well into their 30s and beyond. While the increased career, relationship and economic stability creates a strong platform from which to build a family in the mid to late 30s, the reality is that the biological clock is not in synchronicity with that reproductive timeline. It's important to understand the risks. 

It might take longer to get pregnant. Women are born with a limited number of eggs; as they reach their mid- to late 30s, eggs decrease in both quantity and quality.  
Chances of having multiples are higher. Chances of having twins increases with age due to hormonal changes that could cause multiple eggs to be released at the same time. The use of assisted reproductive technologies -- such as in vitro fertilization -- can also play a role. 
Gestational diabetes is more likely. This type of diabetes is more common as women get older. Untreated, it can cause a baby to grow significantly larger than average, increasing the risk of injury during delivery. It can also increase the risk of premature birth, high blood pressure, and complications to an infant after delivery. 
High blood pressure during pregnancy is more likely. Research suggests high blood pressure during pregnancy is more common in older women. More frequent obstetric appointments may be needed, along with an early delivery to avoid complications. 
Prematurity and low birth weight are more common birth outcomes. Premature babies, especially those born earliest, often have complicated medical problems. 
You might need a C-section. Older mothers have a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications that might lead to a C-section delivery.  
The risk of chromosome abnormalities is higher. Babies born to older mothers have a higher risk of certain chromosomal problems, such as Down syndrome. 
The risk of pregnancy loss is higher. The risk of pregnancy loss -- by miscarriage and stillbirth -- increases as women get older, perhaps due to pre-existing medical conditions or fetal chromosomal abnormalities.  

Despite these challenges, there are ways that women can ensure their health and that of their future baby. While there are a number of steps women can take during pregnancy, it's perhaps most important for women to think about their own health before even conceiving. Visiting and talking to a health care provider about any health issues and/or lifestyle changes can help with that. For more information about preparing for a healthy pregnancy after 35, visit the Mayo Clinic website.

 
Beyond Pregnancy...
As women, our health is about more than just having babies. H ealthy aging -- a term not just used to describe the health of senior citizens -- means not waiting to address health concerns until you're in a later age bracket. Taking interest in your health should always be of importance, and setting good health habits during your 30s and 40s, will prove beneficial once you become an older adult. 

Health in your 30s
Your 30s are a prime time to start paying closer attention to the habits you're forming and how they may impact your health. Whatever negative health habits you have today, can be detrimental for your health in later years of life. Joan Raymond, a health and wellness writer for the Today Show elaborates on the biggest health mistakes women in their 30s can make. Although all women have their own unique health concerns, there are some preventive health screenings to consider in your 30s. For a list of screenings as well as helpful questions to ask a health care professional, view  Healthy Women's tips for women in their 30s.

Health in your 40s 
Your 40s can be a transitioning decade for a lot of women, as menopause effects a large majority during this time. You may start to experience changes with your body and new concerns may arise. View Healthy Women's tips for women in their 40s for information related to what to expect in your 40s and how to differentiate between what is considered "normal" aging and what's not.

Aging is Inevitable
We all know that aging is inevitable, but that doesn't necessarily mean that we have to have feel our age. No matter the number of candles on your next birthday cake (or parenting status), remember to take care of yourself and live each day to the fullest.
Featured Article

Although we know that having a baby in your 20s is the healthiest time, this article sheds light on why women today are waiting.  
Here are the TOP five reasons for young adults 24-45:
1. I want to be financially established so I don't struggle like my parents did (82%).
2. I want to have life experience and be emotionally stable (80%).
3. I want to focus on my career (63%).
4. I value my freedom and don't want to be tied down (60%).
5. I haven't found the right partner yet (54%).

Have Thoughts to Share?   

Write For Our Blog!

 

Have you or someone you know been pregnant after age 35? If you're over 35 (pregnant or not), tell us your tips for staying healthy.

 

We'd love to here from you! Share your thoughts by writing for our blog.  Click here for more information.

Stay Connected!

Visit our blog
Like us on Facebook