At the dawn of the new millenium, it s not unusual for women to wait until their mid to late 30s, or older before starting their families. There s no doubt that careers and later marriages are playing an important role in this decision. And although there s nothing wrong with a woman having children later in life, prospective parents should be aware of the risks associated with that decision.
Chromosomal abnormalities are more likely as women age.
Down Syndrome, for example, is a common example of that. Besides a higher risk of birth defects, the risk for miscarriage increases as well. In addition to the fetal risks, there may be more complications for the mother. Like all human beings, as women age they have a greater chance of having health problems. High blood pressure, diabetes and other ailments can complicate the pregnancy.