High Risk Age for Pregnancy

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By Kristen Fisher
eHow Contributing Writer

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Many of the health risks that pregnant women and their babies face are directly related to the woman's age. It's not only women over a certain age who face potential problems but young women as well.

The Ideal Age

From a health standpoint, the best age to become pregnant is the early to mid 20s, when risks for miscarriage, Down syndrome and cesarean section are lowest.

Teens

Pregnant teenagers are more likely to develop anemia and high blood pressure, give birth prematurely and have babies with low birth weight.

Over 35

Pregnant women over age 35 are at increased risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, miscarriage, placenta previa, cesarean section and having a baby with genetic disorders (references 3).

Over 40

The biggest concern for pregnant women over 40 is the risk of genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. A 40-year-old has a 1 percent chance of having a baby with Down syndrome; the risk of birth defects also doubles after 40.

Over 45

According to the March of Dimes, pregnant women over 45 have a 1 in 30 chance of having a child with Down syndrome and more than a 50 percent chance of miscarriage.