Pregnancy Over 35

Now that you’re over the age of 35, you may wonder if you still have the energy to have a baby because you’ve discovered the snooze alarm has become your morning friend over the past 20 years and you may not feel as spry as you once did. And of course you have become accustomed to doing what you want, when you want, and how you want.

Undoubtedly, some changes will have to be made in your daily schedule and planning, in your eating and exercising habits, how you maintain your home space and entertainment activities with friends such as going out for dinner and drinks.

You will still get to live life to the fullest each day – however, now it will just be more fulfilled with your little child to love. Pregnancy over the age of 35 can be one of the most rewarding decisions you will ever make in your life and any ‘sacrifices’ you have to make won’t feel at all like sacrifices once your baby arrives. Altering your lifestyle to meet the demands of motherhood will show you how easily having a baby will seem like the most natural thing to do at this stage.

All of the changes that will take place in your body and your life are adjustments necessary to successfully conceive and to bring your beautiful child into your life. The exciting thing is that your body was made for this, your heart was made to love unconditionally, your stamina will be up to the task, and your relationship with your partner will grow stronger as you go through pregnancy and childbirth together.

Some of the topics of discussion prior to conception should include how your schedule may change pertaining to:
1) Gym or exercise routine; Time and logistics of hanging out with friends and family; Volunteering with church or other organizations; Participating in current extracurricular hobbies

2) What modifications will you and your spouse/partner have to make to have the new schedule run smoothly after your baby is born?

Another important aspect to reflect on is the working situation. Determine what adjustments may need to be made:
1) If you’re employed full-time will you continue to work?
If so, full-time? Part-time? For the same employer?

2) What type of maternity leave benefits do you have through your current employer? Will they require a temporary replacement while you’re out on maternity leave?

3) If you are covered under your employer’s health benefits, how will that change if you no longer have the same work schedule with that employer or if you change employers?

Business owners and/or partners have similar questions that must be addressed:
1) If you participate in a thriving, successful business who will be responsible for your duties after childbirth and during any adjustment period? How will your absence from the business impact the company especially in the short-term?

2) Will it be possible for you to telecommute to continue to be a viable part of the company as you adjust to your new role during the early stages of motherhood?

The financial aspect of the decision to have a child must also be considered in detail:
1) Do you have adequate funds available for making any necessary or desired changes to the house for the baby’s room?

2) Do you have sufficient funds available for the needs of you and your child for a period of time (weeks or months) before you go back to work or if you decide not to return to work at all?

3) Do you have an emergency fund set up for unforeseen situations?

Taking all of this into consideration prior to conception and during your pregnancy will help to alleviate stress that may accompany decisions or adjustments being made. Open communication with your partner and those close to you will undoubtedly smooth the way and allow you to enjoy all the rewards of pregnancy now that you're over the age of 35 and the pure joy of motherhood.