Abortion
The risk of spontaneous abortion related to increasing age is caused, at least in part, by increases in chromosomal abnormalities. Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester for women of all ages. The risk of miscarriage increases with increasing age. Studies suggest the following rates of spontaneous abortion by age:
- Around 10% between the ages of 20-29 years
- About 20% between the ages of 35-39 years
- About 35% between the ages of 40-44 years
- Greater than 50% at the age of 45 years
Down syndrome
The risk of a woman having a baby with certain congenital defects involving chromosomes (the structures of the cells containing the genes) increases with age. Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal congenital defect. Affected children have varying degrees of mental retardation and physical defects from birth. The risk of a woman having a baby with Down’s syndrome is:
- At 25 years, 1 in 1,250
- At 30 years, 1 in 1000
- At 35 years, 1 in 400
- At 40 years, 1 in 100
Experts recommend that all pregnant women, regardless of age, are offered a screening test for Down syndrome and other congenital chromosomal defects.
Multiple births
Although women over the age of 35 have more difficulty getting pregnant, they are also more likely to have twins. It can be overcome with IVF treatment offered in surrogacy clinic in Delhi.
Options for family construction
It is devastating for a woman to realize that she has age-related infertility. However, it is good to know that there are other ways to build a family. Some women may choose to adopt a child. For those who would like to generate and give birth to a child, the use of donated egg is a viable option.
Read more about options at Elawoman.
Jorge is a health blog author who has been writing about nutrition, fitness and healthy living for over 10 years. He also loves to run, hike and bike with her wife.
