Finding out that you are pregnant, especially after crossing the age of 35, must be both surprising and nervous. Pregnant women at advanced ages actually need to pay more attention than younger mothers. The baby in the belly grows fastest in the first three months and is the most critical period. Our body functions are not as good as those of girls in their twenties, so you must keep this early pregnancy care list and follow it to feel at ease.
1. For prenatal check-ups, I have to run more frequently than anyone else.
Many people feel that there is no need to go to the hospital frequently when they are newly pregnant. However, for older pregnant women like us, early examination and frequent monitoring are the fundamental principles. If you find that your menstruation has not come, probably about 40 days after menopause, you have to rush to the hospital for a B-ultrasound. This step is not done for any other reason. It is just to make sure that the gestational sac is staying in the uterus properly, and to avoid the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy. At the same time, the presence or absence of fetal buds and fetal heart rate will be written on the B-ultrasound sheet. Seeing these two words will put you at ease. From 11 weeks to 13 weeks plus 6 days of pregnancy, there is an item called NT examination that you must not forget to do. This is a key method for early chromosomal screening of the fetus. Because we are in such a situation at this age, the doctor will most likely suggest non-invasive DNA or amniocentesis directly. Don’t be afraid that the names of these tests may sound scary. Only by listening to the doctor’s advice can you show your responsible attitude towards the baby.
2. Don’t take supplements randomly, eat nutrients into your ideas
Our older generation often talks about "one person eats two people's nourishment" and eating large amounts of fish and meat for the body without interruption every day. This is actually a wrong cognitive concept with misunderstandings. For elderly pregnant women, precision is more important than quantity when it comes to diet. Starting from the first 3 months when you start planning to have a child, and continuing until the first 3 months after you successfully conceive a child, folic acid must be supplemented at 0.4 mg a day. This is the first key line of defense to prevent neural tube defects in the baby. In daily meals, high-quality proteins such as eggs, lean meat, fish, and tofu should be ensured every day. They are as important substances that help the growth and development of the fetus as the bricks and tiles that build a house. Vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium and iron are absolutely indispensable in fruits and vegetables. However, there are a few things that no matter how greedy you are, you still have to endure them: never touch raw fish, undercooked steaks, drunken shrimps, and other raw and bacterial foods; strong tea and coffee, the caffeine in them is of no benefit to early embryonic development; and you should eat less of anything that is too spicy and exciting. If you eat bad food and cause diarrhea, it is no joke, and it can easily lead to miscarriage.
3. A good night’s sleep is more effective than taking supplements.
Maybe you are surprised, why are you feeling weak and trying to fall asleep even though you haven't done any heavy work all day? This is a signal from your body telling you that you need to take a rest. Older and pregnant women actually consume a lot more physical energy and must ensure at least eight to nine hours of sleep every day. Put down your phone and go to sleep before eleven o'clock at night. Staying up late has a huge impact on hormone secretion. If you feel tired during the day, just lean on the sofa and take a nap. In terms of activities, don’t even think about intense sports such as running, skipping, and mountain climbing. The embryo is not yet stable just after implantation. I really want to do some exercise. After dinner, just let my husband accompany me and take a slow walk for a while, or actively participate in yoga classes specially organized for pregnant women. Keep this principle in mind: as long as you feel even a tiny bit tired, stop immediately and take a rest by sitting or lying down. Do not force yourself to do it.
4. Don’t pretend to be worried, pour out your anxiety
To be honest, which sister who is pregnant at an advanced age has never worried? Fear of poor health of the child, fear that one's own body cannot bear it, this kind of anxiety exists in almost everyone. However, as the old saying goes, there is telepathy between mother and child. If you have a tense face all day long, your baby can feel it in your belly. How to relieve stress? You must have a way to vent, such as chatting with your best friends, listening to soft and soothing music, or reading a book with a relaxing atmosphere. These are all possible ways. The most critical role is undoubtedly your husband. During this period, let him share more housework. You only need to be the "hands-off shopkeeper" with peace of mind. If you are unhappy in your heart, talk to him. Remember this sentence well. Today's medical science is very advanced. As long as you go to prenatal check-ups on time and follow the doctor's advice, the vast majority of mothers who have reached advanced age can give birth to healthy babies safely. Don't scare yourself.
5. Don’t delay for a minute if your body is signaling an alarm.
The first three months are the baby's most vulnerable time. If there is even the slightest disturbance in the body, it is like sounding an alarm. Following the following three situations, once you see them, you have to go to the hospital immediately without delaying for a minute. One is bleeding, whether it is bright red blood or brown secretion, even if it is only a little bit, it is very likely to be a sign of threatened abortion or ectopic pregnancy. The second is severe pain in the stomach, the kind that makes you unable to straighten your waist, and is also accompanied by nausea and vomiting. You must be especially vigilant about ruptured ectopic pregnancy. As for the third situation, the reaction is too severe. There is such a situation among elderly pregnant women. When they vomit, they will fall into a state of darkness and cannot even drink a sip of water. As a result, the whole person loses a lot of weight. This situation is called hyperemesis gravidarum, which is not a normal phenomenon of pregnancy. In this case, you must go to the hospital to drink water to supplement nutrition. Otherwise, it will have a serious impact on embryonic development.
After all, pregnancy at an advanced age is not a disease, it just requires more care than for young mothers. Complete prenatal check-ups on time as a task. Treat eating and sleeping as important matters. If any abnormality occurs, seek medical advice immediately. Relax your mind and keep your feet on the ground, and you will surely be able to pass this most critical transition period smoothly and welcome a healthy baby.
