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High Risk Age for Pregnancy

Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Related Tags: syndrome | miscarriage | risk | birth | age
 

Instructions

The Ideal Age

  • Step 1:
    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

  • Step 1:
    Pregnant teenagers are more likely to develop anemia and high blood pressure, give birth prematurely and have babies with low birth weight.

Over 35

  • Step 1:
    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

  • Step 1:
    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

  • Step 1:
    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.

High Risk Age for Pregnancy Provided by eHow.com
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