Making way for a new baby can be exciting and magical. There are names to pick out, nurseries to decorate, and clothes and furniture to buy. As wonderful as it might be, though, it's a process that isn't without fears and obstacles. For moms over 35 who are dealing with chronic health problems, pregnancy can be a real challenge that can put both mother and baby at risk. Here’s a look at how chronic illness affects these types of pregnancies and how you can work to prevent and live with these realities.
What are the common chronic illnesses faced by pregnant women 35 and older?
When you’re a mom-to-be over 35, you’re bound to face obstacles that younger moms are seemingly “immune” to. However, that's no reason to lose hope. By working closely with your doctor, you can take steps to avoid dangers to your developing baby. Here are some common chronic illnesses that may have existed prior to your pregnancy, but others can be diagnosed only after you discover you're pregnant:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy
- Lupus
- Heart disease
- Kidney problems
- Pheylketonurea (PKU)
- Endometriosis
When you become pregnant, you may was to find new medications that are safe for both you and the baby. Others (like diabetes) may demand a total transformation of your lifestyle -- what you eat, your exercise, insulin regulation, etc.
How can you prevent added problems?
Being pregnant over 35 is a challenge in and of itself. However, when you add in the complication of chronic illnesses, things can become frustrating or terrifying. At this point, preventative care becomes paramount.
Obviously, obtaining prenatal care is of the utmost importance, and the earlier the better. You’ll need to begin taking prenatal vitamins to stay at optimal health and to ensure you’re getting enough folic acid. Then, you need to modify your diet and exercise according to doctor’s orders and limit (or, even better, totally eliminate) your consumption of alcohol, tobacco products, caffeine or any recreational drug use. Furthermore, you’ll need to make specific adjustments based on the chronic illness you’re battling.
How can you be educated without obsessing?
As vital as it is to get educated about the risks and management of chronic illnesses, it’s easy to take things too far. While awareness can help you avoid unnecessary dangers, obsessing over your illness and how it’ll affect your pregnancy can make matters worse. Don’t drive yourself crazy on WebMD, watching documentaries, or reading horror stories on message boards across the Internet. Rise above your illness – don’t get squashed by it.
What are some positive ways to think aboout your situation?
As tempting as it may be, don’t get despondent over your chronic illness. Instead, focus on the positives -- like the beautiful new baby that’s on the way, the inner strength you’re developing, and the wonderful support group you’ve established. As an expecting mother over 35, you can help insure smooth sailing by educating yourself and facing the challenges head on.
