Highest Risk #1: Increased likelihood of egg contamination.
From the moment a female leaves the womb, her egg cells are continuously exposed to environmental pollutants and influences. The later the age of childbirth, the greater the environmental impact on eggs, leading to diminished egg cell quality and increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the egg. This heightens the likelihood of giving birth to a child with birth defects. This represents the most significant risk older mothers must confront.
Second Highest: Refers to the increased likelihood of pregnancy complications.
Due to the delayed timing of pregnancy and childbirth, many women experience diminished bodily functions with age. Some may even develop mild diabetes or hypertension, conditions that may go unnoticed until pregnancy. The physiological changes and hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can trigger these latent conditions, not only affecting fetal development but also posing risks to the mother.
Third High: Refers to the increased likelihood of difficult labor.
As women age, the birth canal, perineum, and pelvic joints become stiffer and less elastic. Uterine contractility and vaginal extensibility also decline. Some older mothers experience slow cervical dilation during labor, or even failure to dilate, leading to prolonged delivery. This increases the risk of severe bleeding and obstructed labor.