Are women at higher risk of giving birth later in life? The chances of high blood pressure and diabetes have doubled! Taiwan Health Promotion Administration: "6 Things" Elderly Pregnant Women Must Do
The older a woman is at childbearing, the higher her risk? The risk of high blood pressure and diabetes may “double”
According to the demographic data of the Ministry of Interior, compared with last year, the average age of Taiwanese women giving birth has increased again. The average age of women giving birth in 2020 and 2021 is 32.20 years old and 32.29 years old; the average age of giving birth to the first child is 31.09 years old and 31.23 years old respectively. age. Among them, those over 35 years old accounted for 31.64%, indicating that Taiwanese people generally have delayed childbearing. According to data, the rate of premature birth among pregnant women aged 35-39 years old reaches 12.70%, which is higher than the rate of premature birth among pregnant women aged 25-29 years old, which is 8.40%.
Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare, Health Promotion Administration pointed out that older pregnant women have an increased risk of high-risk pregnancies such as gestational diabetes, gestational toxemia (preeclampsia), premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth, while women aged 35-39 The risk of pregnancy complications is 1.36 times that of women aged 25-29 years old. The risk of chronic hypertension for women over 35 years old is 2-4 times that of women aged 25-29 years old. The risk of gestational diabetes for women over 40 years old is The risk is 2-3 times that of young women. It can be seen that as the childbearing age increases, the risk becomes higher.
A must-see for older pregnant women! Taiwan Health Promotion Administration teaches “6 tips” to reduce pregnancy risks
The Taiwan Health Promotion Administration calls on older pregnant women to pose risks to both mothers and babies. Taiwanese should plan their family planning as early as possible to seize the best opportunity to give birth to the next generation. Taiwanese people are marrying later and having children later every year. In order to reduce the risk of pregnancy for older pregnant women, the Taiwan Health Promotion Administration provides “6 Tips for a Good Pregnancy”, hoping that expectant parents can welcome their new life with peace of mind:
Implement regular prenatal check-ups: The Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare has expanded subsidized prenatal check-ups since July 1, 2021. Currently, it provides 14 prenatal check-ups, 3 general ultrasound examinations, 2 prenatal health care and education guidance, and pregnancy 24th -Gestational diabetes screening and anemia test at 28 weeks, and prenatal Group B streptococcus screening at 35-37 weeks. Pregnant women should have regular prenatal check-ups according to the schedule to avoid the risk of advanced pregnancy. They can also understand the status of each stage of pregnancy to make the labor process smoother.
Prenatal genetic diagnosis: The National Health Administration currently provides services to those who are over 34 years old, who have been diagnosed or proven to have given birth to an abnormal child, who have a history of genetic diseases in their own or their spouse’s family, or who may have given birth to a child with congenital abnormalities (such as through ultrasound or Pregnant women such as those whose fetus may have abnormality in serum screening of pregnant women) are provided with a prenatal genetic diagnosis subsidy application of NT$5,000 to encourage pregnant women with higher risk to receive “prenatal genetic diagnosis examination”.
Maintain a healthy life: Pregnant women should pay attention to a balanced diet, consume foods rich in folic acid, iron, etc. during pregnancy, maintain regular exercise based on the principle of “slight breathlessness, no thirst, and no heat”, and avoid smoking (including second-hand smoke and third-hand smoke). Smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug abuse. These harmful substances will affect the health of the mother and fetus, and increase the risk of premature birth or miscarriage. If you have questions about nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, you can consult a physician or nutritionist for further evaluation and consultation.
Pay attention to the signs of premature labor: If there are signs of premature labor (vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, falling sensation, continued uterine contractions, water rupture, fetal movement reduced by more than half than usual), you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible to reduce the risk of premature birth.
Be aware of the signs of labor: a sense of relaxation (better appetite, smoother breathing), redness, bleeding, labor pains, backache, water rupture (a large amount of fluid leaking from the vagina) or other abnormalities (such as decreased fetal movement, etc.) , please go to the hospital as soon as possible to wait for delivery.
Identify high-risk pregnancy: When the doctor tells you that the pregnancy may be a high-risk pregnancy, a complete prenatal examination is required to prevent pregnancy complications early, and it is recommended to give birth in a medical institution with better manpower and equipment. In addition, expectant mothers can receive care at the nearest “high-risk maternal and newborn care quality emergency hospital” approved by the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare, depending on their pregnancy status.
Taiwan Health Promotion Administration stated that regular prenatal check-ups can reduce the risk of pregnancy and reminds expectant mothers to remember to receive regular prenatal check-ups. If you have questions related to pregnancy and childbirth, you can call the maternal care consultation hotline, or go to the “Maternal Care Website” to check pregnancy health care information to help you get pregnant and make the birth process smoother.
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