Genetic counseling for both parents incase of chromosomal abnormality and genetic testing should be offered to all women becoming pregnant after the age of 35 years. Depending on your age, risk factors, body conditions, medical history, family history tests should be advised by your obstetrician to eliminate the chances of Down syndrome.

Generally older mothers deliver healthy babies but the risk of premature birth and low birth weight cannot be ignored. There is minimum risk if the pregnant older woman is healthy and without any medical problems. There could be a risk of gestational diabetes that is diabetes acquired during the pregnancy, pre-eclampsia or cesarean section. If a woman is diabetic or hypertensive before conceiving, she should be much more careful.

If you are above 30 years and want to have baby you must consult your doctor or a midwife for a pre-conception consultation to minimize risks of abnormalities and difficult labor. Women with known medical problems should be more alert and should remain under medical supervision until delivery of the baby. If proper health care is taken, advanced age pregnancy will be smooth and it will be safe for both the mother and the baby.