Can I prevent problems with pregnancy after age 40?

You can have a problem-free pregnancy after age 40. Obstetrician and gynecologist Evelyn Minaya, MD, discusses one simple key to a successful, later-in-life pregnancy.

Transcript

00:00

It is very, very important, if you are a diabetic, to have really good diabetic control prior to becoming pregnancy.

00:06

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00:17

You can prevent problems after the age of 40 in pregnancy by being very healthy. Again, knowing your cholesterol level prior to pregnancy

00:26

is very important. Believe it or not, your cholesterol really increases during pregnancy because the baby requires

00:33

steroids, which are hormones that are very, very important and essential to their health.

00:40

It is very, very important that you do not smoke. It increases your risk for cardiovascular disease, and thus really affecting the placenta.

00:47

And remember, the placenta is the thing that feeds the baby and it makes for a healthier baby.

00:55

It is very, very important, if you are a diabetic, to have really good diabetic control prior to becoming pregnancy.

01:02

If your sugars are a little high at more than usual, it does affect the fetal development. That is the most important thing.

01:12

It is important that you do get a great physical before embarking on pregnancy and also maintain a good daily habits in order

01:19

for you to avoid any complications. [MUSIC PLAYING]