Recently, comedian Bharti Singh announced that she's pregnant again. The news was welcomed by her fans with a lot of elation and some were surprised too. Popular refrain has been 'At the age of 41, she's pregnant again! How?' Late pregnancies always manage to raise many eyebrows. A lot of people also tend to view pregnancies at a later stage with a certain degree of disdain and skepticism. Come to think of it, there are many women out there who're choosing to embrace motherhood in their 30s or 40s.
Actor Deepika Padukone welcomed her daughter in her late 30s and actor Katrina Kaif, in her early 40s, is all set to celebrate the birth of her child anytime soon. Defying the norm and living life on their own terms, women of today no longer succumb to the pressure of having a baby or babies in their 20s. Most women are having babies when they truly feel ready for it and when they have established their career on a certain level.
Take a look at Bharti's post:
We spoke to Dr. Renu Raina Sehgal, chairperson of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Artemis hospital, to bust some myths around late pregnancies and what things women need to bear in mind if they're deciding to defer having a child at a later stage in their life. "More and more women are getting pregnant later in life, usually after age 35. It is true that as one gets older, one's fertility naturally goes down and the chances of getting gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preterm birth or chromosomal abnormalities go up. However, with careful planning and living a healthy lifestyle, women can enjoy successful pregnancy without much of a hassle," explains Dr. Sehgal.
Tips to keep in mind:
"Eat a balanced diet, go for regular prenatal check ups and get screened early. Staying active, managing stress and avoiding bad habits like smoking or drinking alcohol can make a big difference in how things turn out. And of course, we have IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies that can help women get pregnant," shares the doctor.
Citing an example, the doctor shared that a woman, who had come to her, in her early 40s had trouble getting pregnant because her ovarian reserve was low. "You know, she was able to have a healthy baby thanks to fertility treatments, regular checkups and a carefully planned diet and exercise plan. This experience demonstrates that individualized care can yield positive outcomes in late pregnancies despite challenges," she shares.
'Focus on overall health and preventive care..'
"Walking, yoga, and light strength training are all good ways to stay in shape and lower your stress. Getting enough sleep and practicing mindfulness are good for your mental health. It's very important to see a gynecologist regularly for fertility tests and early screenings. Taking supplements like folic acid and iron as your doctor suggests can help you have a healthy pregnancy. People who are getting married later in life or planning to have a baby later in life should also think about freezing their eggs early. It helps keep your fertility and makes it more likely that you'll have a healthy pregnancy later," advices doctor.
Also read: 8 surprising effects of cutting salt and sugar, according to a dietician
Doctor addresses common myths around late pregnancies...
Myth: Women over 35 can't get pregnant on their own
Fact: This is just an assumption. I have seen many women get pregnant on their own without any intervention from doctors.
Myth: All pregnancies that happen after the due date are dangerous
Fact: Babies born to older mothers can be born healthy. All one needs to do is keep a close tab on things and living a healthy life.
Myth: Fertility treatments should be avoided, as they are not natural
Fact: The growing reliance on these treatments bear testimony to the fact that they are safe.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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