Seek medical advice before conception, Expert enjoins older women

Women above the age of 45 with the intention of becoming mothers have been advised to seek medical advice before conception to avoid pregnancy related complications.

An Abuja based gynaecologist, Dr. Nnenna Jonah, gave this advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to her, as a woman gets older, there is an increased risk of pregnancy related complications and health problems faced by both the mother and child.

Jonah noted that complications tend to occur due to changes in the reproductive system and increased general health problem associated with age, such as obesity and diabetes.

“Complications are imminent because the older body is less supple and flexible. This will increase the chances of giving birth to a baby with congenital abnormality like down-syndrome,” she said.

According to Jonah, the uterus of the older woman is less hospitable to the changes of pregnancy and can thereby, cause premature labour.

“Pregnancy in older women is associated with high risk of general health problems, such as high blood pressure and miscarriage, especially in women above 35 years.

“There is also the risk of having twins, which itself is associated with elevated risk of complications.

“Old age pregnancy is associated with  risk of complications during delivery, such as prolonged labour as well as still birth and placenta problems,’’ she said.

The gynaecologist, however, enjoined older women planning conception to be fully informed, maintain a healthy weight as well as eat healthy diet in order to curb all associated complications.

Jonah also suggested the daily administration of 400mg of folic acid before and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to prevent birth defects.

“Careful medical monitoring, appropriate medication, starting from conception and throughout pregnancy, will reduce the risks associated with old age pregnancy,” she said.