Chromosomal abnormalities are more common in older women, significantly increasing the risk of early miscarriage. Data indicates that for first pregnancies in older women, the miscarriage rate in the first trimester can reach up to 20%, which is 2-4 times higher than for women of childbearing age.
2. Increased Preterm Birth Rate
The uterine environment in older pregnant women is relatively less favorable for fetal growth and development. Abnormalities are more likely to occur in late pregnancy, leading to premature birth. Data indicates that the preterm birth rate for older pregnancies is four times higher than for women of childbearing age.
3. Increased Risk of Difficult Labor
As women age, the cervix, perineum, and pelvic joints become stiffer, making dilation during labor more difficult. Weaker uterine contractions and reduced vaginal elasticity can slow delivery progress, prolong labor duration, and increase the likelihood of difficult labor.
4. Increased Breast Cancer Risk
Recent data indicates that women giving birth for the first time after age 35 face a significantly higher breast cancer incidence than those who gave birth before age 30, with risk escalating further with advancing age.
5. Higher Infertility Rates
A French study reveals that female fertility declines markedly with age.The incidence of infertility markedly increases for pregnancies occurring after age 35. This is primarily due to physiological and endocrine changes within the body.
6. Increased incidence of congenital mental retardation
After age 35, the maturation process of eggs lengthens, making chromosomes more susceptible to aging, deterioration, or mutations. This leads to a higher incidence of congenital mental retardation.Data indicates that the incidence of congenital mental retardation is only 1 in 1,350 among pregnant women aged 25-34, but rises to 1 in 260 among those aged 35-39.Therefore, when older women become pregnant, changes in their body's metabolism increase the likelihood of experiencing these conditions during pregnancy. Data shows that the incidence of gestational hypertension in older pregnant women is 2-4 times higher than in women of childbearing age; the incidence of diabetes and gestational diabetes is more than 3 times higher than in women aged 25-29.
8. Slower Postpartum Recovery
After age 35, the body's organ functions begin to decline. Following childbirth, women not only face a higher risk of postpartum complications but also experience reduced endocrine regulation and slower reproductive organ recovery. Data indicates that the older a woman is at delivery, the slower her postpartum recovery.
9. Children born to older mothers may have weaker health
After age 35, a woman's bodily functions begin to decline. The uterus's ability to nurture a fetus and provide adequate nutrition is inferior to that of women of optimal childbearing age. Data indicates that children born to older mothers, especially firstborns, tend to have relatively weaker immune systems and a higher incidence of various diseases, such as leukemia.
10. Poor psychological state
Women over 35 experience greater psychological burdens during pregnancy compared to those of optimal childbearing age. Combined with societal and familial pressures, this often leads to heightened stress, which is detrimental to both maternal health and fetal growth and development.