If you’re 40 and you’re thinking about having a baby, or maybe you’re already pregnant, the first thing you should know is that you’re not the first! There are plenty of women 40 and beyond who still managed to have healthy pregnancies and raise wonderful kids with no health problems. Yet, having a baby over 40 comes with a certain amount of risks and challenges.
Yet, that doesn’t mean you have to obsess over worst case scenarios. It helps to know the pros and cons, and the best planning advice. Because with the right mindset and a little bit of information, you can successfully navigate the world of motherhood over 40 and enjoy everything that comes along with it.
Find the Right Doctor
Not all OBGYN’s are going to be on the same vibe as you. Some doctors are better than others when it comes to later in life pregnancies. That’s why you want someone who’s in your corner, supports you, and won’t remind you every 5 minutes about how old you are. Doom and gloom statistics are not what you need to hear when you’re expecting a baby. If someone immediately starts talking to you about all the risks, then this is a major red flag and you should consider changing doctors.
Look for doctors who use terms like “advanced maternal age,” without making it sound like there’s something wrong with you! You want someone who’s going to give you guidance, not fear mongering tactics, so that not only will you increase your chances of a healthy birth, but you can also decrease your chances of other pregnancy related issues like developing back pain or diabetes.
Be Serious About Your Health Wihtout Obsessing
It’s important that you take your health seriously, but that doesn’t mean you need to obsess about it all the time period rather than depriving yourself of any pleasures, or following all the rules without giving yourself a little wiggle room, tune into your body and listen to the signals that’s giving you. Your body can be your best indicator of whether what you’re doing is healthy for you or not. If something hurts, or you’re starting to experience negative symptoms, then this is probably a red flag that you need to make changes.
Accept Support
They say that it takes a village to raise a child, and this is definitely true—all the way from pregnancy. You should lean into your support system as much as possible. Whether it’s your partner, or your friend group, you’re going to need a circle of people around you to pull you up when things get hard. When your baby is born and screaming at 2:00AM, you’re going to need a support system that makes you feel heard and supported.
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