According to a recent study, complications during pregnancy are predominantly associated with an individual’s preexistent health illnesses and not the mother’s age. In addition, the study highlights the substantial impact of high blood pressures, diabetes, and obesity on pregnancy outcomes.
Pregnancy disorders have been on the rise over the past decade
Notably, there has been a significant increase of over 50% in pregnancy disorders in the last ten years but age-related factors only accounted for around 2% of this increase. The study’s authors aim to focus on addressing possible health concerns in women thinking of having kids.
Throughout the duration of the study, there was a marginal rise in the median age of expectant women, increasing from around 27.9 years to 29.1 years between 2011 and 2019. Nonetheless, it is important to note that this change in age had minimal influence on the overall escalation of negative pregnancy outcomes in that specific timeframe.
In a study analyzing data from the National Center for Health Statistics Natality Files, researchers compared rates of preeclampsia, eclampsia, premature births, and low birth weights in around four million births between 2011 and 2019. The findings revealed moderate increases in premature births and low birth weights during this period, accompanied by a substantial 52% surge in blood pressure-related disorders.
Dr Zachary Hughes, the lead author and an internal medicine physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, emphasized that the adverse birth outcomes were not solely attributed to maternal age but were influenced by pre-existing health conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Understanding these factors is important as they have the potential to be modified.
Birth complications have serious consequences
Complications during childbirth can have substantial implications on the well-being of both the mother and the child, potentially heightening the likelihood of developing heart disease. Dr. Hughes emphasized the importance of the study findings in averting unfavorable health outcomes and minimizing potential cardiovascular health issues. The hope is that these results will promote a change in mindset, emphasizing the importance of health prior to pregnancy. Dr Hughes recommends seeking medical care six months to a year before planning to conceive to enhance overall health and minimize pregnancy complications.
