Pregnancy is a life-changing and joyful experience, but it’s not without its challenges. Some pregnancies come with additional risks, known as “high-risk pregnancies,” where complications could affect the health of the mother, the baby, or both.

One of the biggest factors contributing to a high-risk pregnancy is the age of the mother, but at what age does pregnancy truly become high risk? And more importantly, how can you manage those risks?

This blog will provide a detailed breakdown of risks, actionable steps to reduce them, and expert insights to help women plan healthy pregnancies at any age.

Whether you’re 20 or 40, you’ll get all the information you need to make informed decisions.

Not all high-risk pregnancies are due to age. A variety of medical, lifestyle, and circumstantial factors can increase the chances of complications. Here’s what you need to know:

⇒What Makes a Pregnancy High Risk?

• Existing Health Issues
  

Examples include pre-existing diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune disorders like lupus. For instance, a woman with chronic hypertension could face increased risks of preeclampsia—a potentially serious condition involving high blood pressure during pregnancy.

• Lifestyle Choices
  

Actions like smoking and drinking alcohol can significantly increase risks. For example, smoking raises the chance of preterm birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth.

• Multiple Pregnancies (Twins, Triplets, etc.)
  

Carrying more than one baby increases nutritional demands and puts more strain on the uterus, heightening the risk of preterm labor or cesarean delivery.

• Complications in Previous Pregnancies
  

If a woman has experienced a miscarriage or preterm labor before, that history increases the odds of similar challenges.

⇒Why Is Age an Important Factor?

Age is a central focus because it directly impacts fertility, egg health, and even pregnancy outcomes.

For example, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities (like Down syndrome) rises significantly as women age. These risks can affect both conception and the baby’s health during and after birth. 

⇒Pregnancy Risks Before 20

Although younger women tend to be fertile, those under 20 are still at risk for complications because their bodies may not be fully prepared for the physical and nutritional demands of pregnancy.

⇒Common Issues Faced by Younger Mothers:

• Preterm Birth: Babies born before 37 weeks may struggle with breathing, feeding, and maintaining body temperature.
• Low Birth Weight: Infants weighing under 5.5 pounds are more likely to face long-term complications such as developmental delays.
• Nutritional Concerns: Younger mothers may have inadequate diets, affecting both their health and their baby’s.

Example: Shital, 18, who has limited access to prenatal care, gave birth to a baby at 34 weeks. Her baby required intensive neonatal care due to underdeveloped lungs.

⇒Pregnancy Risks Between 20-34 (The Ideal Age Range)

This is often considered the “sweet spot” for pregnancy. Women in this age range typically have the highest fertility and healthiest eggs.

Why This is Considered the Best Time?

• Lower Risk of Complications: With proper care, the risk of issues like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes is significantly lower.
• Optimal Egg Health: Chromosomal abnormalities occur less frequently, reducing risks for conditions like Down syndrome.
• Smoother Recovery: Younger bodies often recover more quickly after childbirth.

Example: Emily, a 29-year-old marathon runner, maintained her active lifestyle and delivered a healthy baby at full term with no major complications.

⇒Pregnancy Risks After 35 (Advanced Maternal Age)

Pregnancies after 35 come with higher risks, but advancements in medicine mean many women still have healthy outcomes.

Increased Risks for Pregnancies at 35 and Beyond:

• Gestational Diabetes affects 6-9% of pregnancies generally but occurs more frequently in older mothers due to reduced insulin sensitivity.
• Chromosomal Abnormalities: According to data, the risk of Down syndrome increases from 1 in 940 at age 30 to 1 in 85 by age 40.
• Miscarriage Rates: By age 35, the risk of miscarriage is about 20%, compared to only 10% for women in their 20s.
• Delivery Complications: Older mothers are more likely to need cesarean sections due to issues like prolonged labor.

Though often overlooked, a father’s age also matters. After age 40, sperm quality starts to decline.

⇒Risks Associated with Older Fathers:

• Genetic Mutations: These can increase the risk of autism and schizophrenia in the baby.
• Miscarriages: The chance of pregnancy loss rises when the father is over 40, even if the mother is younger.

⇒Fertility Over Time:

• Women are born with a fixed number of eggs. By 35, the ovarian reserve diminishes significantly.
• Egg quality declines with age, increasing the chances of issues like non-viable embryos and failed pregnancies.

⇒Before You Get Pregnant

1. Focus on Preconception Health
• Eat iron-rich foods and take prenatal vitamins.
• Maintain a healthy weight to avoid complications like gestational diabetes.
2. Think Ahead
• Egg freezing is a great option for women who want to delay pregnancy.

⇒During Pregnancy

1. Regular Checkups
• Regular prenatal visits ensure issues like high blood pressure are detected early.
2. Advanced Screenings
• NIPT (at 10 weeks) or amniocentesis can detect chromosomal issues.
3. Healthy Dietary Habits
• Focus on foods like salmon (rich in omega-3), leafy greens (high in folic acid), and calcium-rich dairy.

Hearing the term “high risk” can feel overwhelming, but emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health.

⇒How to Stay Positive:

• Join Support Groups: Online communities for older moms or high-risk pregnancies can provide comfort.
• Practice Mindfulness: Deep breathing and yoga can prevent stress from negatively affecting the baby.

Different regions approach older pregnancies differently, shaped by access to medical care and cultural beliefs.

Examples:

• Western countries provide advanced prenatal screenings and IVF treatments that make older pregnancies more feasible.
• Some Eastern cultures still face stigma or myths around pregnancies past 35, but changing attitudes are empowering women to make informed choices.

1. Can I have a safe pregnancy after 35?
   Yes! With close medical monitoring, women over 35 frequently deliver healthy babies.
2. How does pregnancy at 40 compare to one at 30?
   While risks are higher, proper care and active management of conditions like high blood pressure lead to safe outcomes.
3. Is natural conception at 38 possible?
   Definitely! Many women conceive naturally, but fertility treatments like IVF may improve chances.

Don’t leave your pregnancy to guesswork. Talk to your doctor or fertility specialist today to design a tailored plan for your needs.

Consult Dr. Supriya Puranik, the best high-risk pregnancy doctor in Pune, for expert guidance and personalized care.

Take the first step toward a safe and healthy journey—because with the right support, age is just a number! 

• 

• About Author

  Dr. Supriya Puranik

  Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist

Dr. Supriya Puranik, a renowned gynaecologist and infertility expert, leads the IVF & Gynaecology department at Sahyadri Hospitals Momstory in Shivaji Nagar, Pune. She is committed to helping couples overcome infertility challenges.