Among the many other concerns potential mothers must consider when deciding to become pregnant (or finding out pregnancy has already occurred) one of the most important is age—particularly for middle aged women. If you’ve been waiting your whole life or simply found yourself ready to have children later than normal, one of the most important things you can do is get educated about the risks. Here’s a look at the risks of miscarriage in older women, and the steps you can take to help prevent it.
Why Does Risk of Miscarriage and Complications Increase with Age?
Women are born with all the eggs nature expects them to need. The most fertile eggs tend to be used in ovulation first, leaving less reliable eggs for when most women are finished having children. Additionally, many conditions that influence pregnancy tend to become more common with age. Among others, diabetes and high blood pressure are most prevailing. Because of this, at 35 years old women begin to experience higher levels of miscarriage and other genetic abnormalities, such as Down’s Syndrome.
Considering the Statistics
The older you are, the higher the chance of miscarriage. Before age 30, most women have about an 8% risk of miscarriage (although many factors can raise this number). According to the Advanced Fertility Clinic of Chicago, this percentile continues to increase dramatically over the next 16 years, or until the age of menopause. After 30, the chance reaches 12%. By 44 that number reaches 60%. Other studies show that these numbers may reach as high as 75% by age 45. The Fertility Clinic of Chicago reports these numbers based on data compiled from a variety of experts’ studies:
| Maternal Age | Miscarriage Risk |
|---|---|
| <> | 8% |
| 30-34 | 12% |
| 35-37 | 16% |
| 38-39 | 22% |
| 40-41 | 33% |
| 42-43 | 45% |
| 44-46 | 60% |
*Note: The studies numbers come from “early miscarriages,” which refers to those that occur in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy and are most common.
Additional Risk Factors
Many internal and external influences impact a pregnancy. Because many conditions become more likely with age, be aware of any issues your own body may be facing. This will help you manage them appropriately, particularly when risk factors combine. Know the things that can impact your pregnancy and what the risks for miscarriage are.
Having a Safe Pregnancy
There is no way to guarantee a safe pregnancy. Women with a higher chance of miscarriage must take good care of themselves and practice healthy lifestyle choices for the duration of the pregnancy. Begin taking prenatal vitamins before you become pregnant -- this will help keep your body fueled with key vitamins and nutrients, as well as protecting your growing baby from issues like spina bifida by getting plenty of folic acid.
Other things you can do include maintaining a healthy weight. Being pregnant will likely increase your appetite, but it doesn’t mean you can put on 100 pounds without problems. Keep up an appropriate amount of exercise. See your obstetrician/gynecologist or midwife regularly. Most obstetricians recommend amniocentesis and other prenatal examinations after age 32-35. Most importantly, remember that if something does happen, that does not mean it is your fault. Not everyone with miscarriage risk factors will have one, and not everyone with a high risk pregnancy will experience complications. However, if you are already more likely to have a miscarriage than other women, it is important to know the signs of a miscarriage. If you experience any of these symptoms or note any other abnormalities, call your obstetrician or midwife immediately.
