How to keep pregnancy healthy at an age that is no longer young
It is not impossible to get pregnant at 40 years, but maybe the process is not as easy as women who are pregnant at a younger age. Because, getting pregnant in old age makes you more at risk of complications during pregnancy. Even so, that doesn't mean you are pessimistic and just give up. You still allow to undergo pregnancy and give birth to a healthy child even though the age is four-headed, provided you follow the tips to maintain a healthy pregnancy. 4D Ultrasound Queens
How to keep pregnancy healthy at an age that is no longer young
Although the possibility of pregnancy is still there, the chance to get pregnant at the age of 40 is only 5 percent. In addition, women who are pregnant at the age of 40 years and above are more at risk of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes , preeclampsia , placenta previa, premature birth and low body weight (LBW), babies born by caesarean section, miscarriage or death at birth .
To anticipate these things, there are several ways you can do to maintain pregnancy at an age that is no longer young, including the following:
1. Conduct routine prenatal care or antenatal care (ANC)
Antenatal Care (ANC) is a pregnancy examination to optimize the mental and physical health of pregnant women. This is so that pregnant women are able to face childbirth, the puerperium, exclusive breastfeeding, and restore their reproductive health properly.
This examination can be in the form of a physical examination, blood tests, and ultrasound to find out problems that can arise during pregnancy. You can discuss various things about your pregnancy to the midwife or doctor, including how to maintain pregnancy, birth plans, or any concerns that fill your head. Usually, this check must be done every month but ask your doctor again when the schedule is right to do all the tests.
Also consult if you have diabetes or thyroid problems that might affect your pregnancy and how to overcome it. That way, you can undergo pregnancy more safely and smoothly.
2. Take special supplements
When entering pregnancy, maternal nutritional needs increase. Many mothers cannot fulfill their nutritional needs properly, so they are threatened with lack of vitamins and minerals. Of course it will affect the health of the fetus and mother.
Therefore, pregnant women, especially those who are pregnant at the age of 40 years, need special supplements so that their nutritional needs are fulfilled properly. Additional supplements given are those that contain folic acid, iron, and calcium. This supplement is useful for preventing some birth defects related to the spinal cord and brain, one of which is spina bifida .
If you have a particular disease and take drugs, it's best to consult your doctor if you can continue taking the medicine or not. Because, not all drugs can be consumed by women who are pregnant.
3. Get enough rest
According to Barbara O'Brien, MD, a genetic perinatal specialist at the Women and Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island, women who are pregnant at 40 years of age must be more sensitive to their bodies. As reported by Fit Pregnancy, 40-year-old women are even more excited about their activities, so they tend to want to continue doing everything themselves.
So, you need to rest your body as often as possible and not force yourself. Save your energy with enough rest to keep your pregnancy at a young age.
4. Eat nutritious food
During pregnancy, food and nutrition must be maintained properly. Inappropriate food intake can make pregnant mothers' nutrition inadequate and can later affect the health of the fetus.
Therefore, fulfill your nutritional intake by eating nutritious foods, especially those that contain high levels of folic acid such as green vegetables, oranges, cereals, or other mineral-fortified food products. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits to maintain daily fiber needs and avoid fast food for a while.
If you like seafood or seafood, you should be more careful. Because, some seafood contain mercury which can cause birth defects, for example sharks, king mackerel, or swordfish. Seafood that is allowed for pregnant women includes salmon, shrimp, and tuna. However, consult your doctor first so that you don't misstep.
5. Control your weight
Some doctors recommend that pregnant women increase their weight to several kilograms during pregnancy. This recommendation is certainly adjusted to maternal and fetal health conditions so as not to increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Therefore, consult your doctor about the recommended body weight according to your condition.
6. Avoid unhealthy lifestyles
It is the duty of pregnant women to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially those of you who have a pregnancy at a high risk age. Avoid various unhealthy lifestyles such as the habit of smoking and drinking alcohol, including your husband and family.
Even if you don't smoke, but your husband or other family members smoke, this still makes you a passive smoker that can endanger your health and your baby's health. So, ask your husband to stop smoking, or at least not smoke around you.
7. Conduct a vaccine
Ideally, vaccination must be obtained before you start planning a pregnancy. The reason is, the condition of pregnancy makes the immune system tends to decrease so that it is susceptible to various infectious diseases. Well, this is where the important role of immunization during pregnancy is to increase immunity and maintain the health of your baby later.
But if you are late in getting a vaccine before getting pregnant, you can vaccinate while pregnant. This has been proven safe for your baby's growth and development. Vaccines that are safe for pregnant women include hepatitis B, flu, and tetanus diphtheria pertussis (Tdap). Immediately consult a doctor to get the appropriate vaccine.