Embracing Pregnancy after 40: Challenges and Opportunities
KUALA LUMPUR: For many Malaysian women, the decision to embrace motherhood later in life is becoming increasingly common. This shift reflects evolving societal priorities, including career advancement, financial stability, and personal aspirations, alongside factors such as health considerations and even second marriages.
Rise in Women Giving Birth after 35
Recent data shows that the percentage of Malaysian women who give birth after age 35 has risen from 20.8% in 2017 to 23% in 2022, making Malaysia the second-highest country in Southeast Asia for babies born to women of advanced maternal age.
Financial Demands of Raising Children
The financial demands of raising children have also played a role in shaping this trend. According to the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency, the estimated cost of raising a child in Malaysia from birth through university can reach as high as RM1.37 million.
Challenges of Pregnancy after 40
While all pregnancies carry certain risks, those after the age of 40 may present their own set of challenges. "Women over 40 are at a higher risk for medical and obstetric complications, including chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, which can elevate risks for both the mother and baby during pregnancy," said consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist, and maternal foetal specialist Dr Gayathri Mariappa.
Medical Innovations
The challenges of conceiving and pregnancy after 40 are now addressed with advancements in medical technology and treatments. For women who have difficulties conceiving, options such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) have provided a viable solution. IVF involves stimulating the eggs to grow, retrieving them, fertilising the egg and sperm in a suitable environment, and transferring the embryo back into the womb. The entire process takes about two weeks, Leong Rahman said.
Preparing for Pregnancy
Preconception care and lifestyle changes are essential for every mother-to-be. Leong Rahman advises maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including achieving an optimal body mass index, consuming a balanced diet supplemented with folic acid, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Gayathri underscores the importance of early and regular screenings, as well as the paternal role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
Conclusion
Motherhood is a deeply personal decision – whether it happens before or after 40 – shaped by individual values, aspirations, and circumstances. With advancement in medical treatments, the right support systems, and proactive care, Malaysian women now have more opportunities than ever to navigate this journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the risks of pregnancy after 40?
A: Women over 40 are at a higher risk for medical and obstetric complications, including chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
Q: What are the challenges of conceiving after 40?
A: Women over 40 may encounter difficulties to conceive naturally, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, increases with maternal age.
Q: What are the options for women with difficulties conceiving?
A: Options include in vitro fertilisation (IVF), hormonal medications, and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Q: What is non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)?
A: NIPT is a blood-based genetic test that screens for chromosomal abnormalities by analysing small fragments of foetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood.