Is Late Pregnancy Safe? Know The Risk Factors, And Precautions That Need To Be Taken

Late Punjabi Singer Sidhu Moosewala’s mother Charan Kaur is reportedly pregnant and is expecting her second child through IVF treatment at the age of 58.

Know Risks And Precautions Of Late Pregnancy (Representational Image)

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Late Punjabi Singer Sidhu Moosewala’s mother Charan Kaur is reportedly pregnant and is expecting her second child through IVF treatment at the age of 58. As per the latest reports, Charan is currently hospitalised and might be on the verge of giving birth, with rumours swirling about the possibility of twins. Amidst these, Moosewala’s father Balkaur has posted a statement on Facebook where he urged the late singer's fans not to believe the circulating rumours about his family. 

He wrote, "We are grateful to Sidhu's fans who are so worried about our family. There is a lot of speculation going on about my family. I request you not to believe all these rumours. Whatever news there is, the family will share it with all of you."

In today's scenario, the age of pregnancy has already increased. Dr. Vinieta Diwakar, Consultant Gynecology and Obstetrics, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad said that pregnancy above 35 years is labelled as advanced maternal age pregnancy, while above 50, it is very advanced maternal age pregnancy and it is becoming a common feature considering the lifestyle and other things.

"The women above 50 are at risk of same pregnancy complications as younger women, but their risk fold is increased and is higher. Also, we have two types of women above 50. One is without any medical comorbidities and other group is having pre-existing comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiac dysfunction, renal dysfunction and liver dysfunction. So it is very clear if second group is there, naturally all pregnancy complications will be higher in this group," she said.

Risks Posed Due To Late Preganacy:

As maternal age advances, the likelihood of facing health challenges during pregnancy increases significantly. Dr. Shilpi Srivastva, Consultant, Birla Fertility & IVF, Noida said, "Risks such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure become more prevalent, making it important for older mothers to constantly monitor their health and attend regular prenatal check-ups.

"In addition to this, the probability of chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome, rises with age, making it important to undergo genetic counseling and prenatal testing for early detection and informed decision-making," she added.

Talking about other risks, she said:

• Fertility challenges also become more pronounced for older women due to declining egg quality and quantity, necessitating the exploration of fertility treatments or consultations with specialists.
• Additionally, mothers with preexisting health conditions like diabetes or hypertension are advised to manage these conditions under proper medical guidance to ensure a safe pregnancy.
• The increased likelihood of undergoing a Cesarean section further highlights the need for caution among older mothers, as factors such as decreased uterine muscle tone and potential complications during labor contribute to this elevated risk. 

Precautions for Old Moms-to-Be:

Older women who want to conceive should take certain precautions to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Here are some of the precautions suggested by Dr Seema Sharma, Associate Director - Obstetrics and gynecology, Paras Health, Gurugram that old moms-to-be must follow:

• Consult with a Doctor: It is essential to consult with a doctor before trying to conceive. A doctor can evaluate your overall health and determine if you are physically ready for pregnancy.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Older women should maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
• Take Prenatal Vitamins: Taking prenatal vitamins can help ensure that you and your baby get all the necessary nutrients during pregnancy.
• Attend Regular Prenatal Checkups: Regular prenatal checkups are crucial for monitoring the health of both the mother and the baby.
• Consider Genetic Testing: Older women should consider genetic testing to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]