High Risk Age for Pregnancy
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.
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The Ideal Age
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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
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Pregnant teenagers are more likely to develop anemia and high blood pressure, give birth prematurely and have babies with low birth weight.
Over 35
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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
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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
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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.
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