can we boost our chances?

From getting pregnant to a healthy delivery – the list of concerns for couples in their mid- to late 30s and 40s may seem overwhelming. But the good news is there are many things both prospective mother and father can do to boost their chances of conception and minimize the risks in pregnancy. In fact, motherhood in later years is one of the best examples of how preconception health can make all the difference.

make healthy choices

Healthy food choices, regular exercise, suitable supplements and early preconception care can all improve an older couple’s chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.

• Make an appointment for a preconception check-up.
• If you currently have a medical condition, such as asthma, diabetes or obesity, be sure these conditions are under control before trying to conceive.
• Get early and regular prenatal care.
• Carefully listen to your body and record your fertility signs a few months before you start trying to get pregnant, so you become familiar with your ovulation cycle.
• Try to achieve a healthy weight before getting pregnant.
• Establish a regular exercise routine before you start trying to conceive; one you’ll enjoy and will be able to continue into pregnancy.
• Eat a wide variety of nutritious foods, including those rich in folate, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins.
• Start taking a folic acid supplement daily, and continue into early pregnancy.
• Don't drink alcohol, don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Don't use any recreational drugs, over-the-counter medications or herbal preparations unless recommended by a healthcare provider who is aware that you are trying to conceive or are pregnant.
• Visit a fertility specialist if you haven’t conceived after six months of trying.

learn about prenatal testing

Prenatal testing provides information about the health of your baby before he or she is born. Although most test results will just confirm the health of your baby, it is important to be prepared for other possibilities. The two most common procedures are amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

Amniocentesis is performed between week 14 and 18. It involves withdrawing a small sample of amniotic fluid, which contains fetus cells, from the womb, which is then tested for chromosomal abnormalities. Although amniocentesis is considered a safe procedure, it is associated with a slight risk of miscarriage due to the rupture of the amniotic sac.

CVS is performed between week nine and 12 and removes a tiny sample of chorionic villa through a thin tube or needle. Chorionic villi are tiny finger-like “hairs” that make up the placenta and they have the same genetic makeup as the fetus. CVS can be done earlier in the pregnancy, allowing prospective parents more time to get counseling and make well-informed choices. The risk of miscarriage due to the invasive CVS procedure is similar to that associated with amniocentesis. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh these risks against the value in knowing the health of your fetus.