Can I safely plan for pregnancy?
Professor and Senior Consultant Gynecologist & Colposcopist
Mazumdar-Shaw Center for Cancer Research & Narayana Hrudayalaya Multispecialty Hospital, Bangalore
Q: I am a 37 years old female. My blood pressure is under control with medications (Evas 2.5 mg). I had placenta previa during my first pregnancy and had severe bleeding during the 30th week and delivered a boy baby on the last day of 34th week through c-section. Now I wish to have another baby, for which I consulted my gynaecologist who has asked me not to have baby at this age with all the above problems. Please suggest what I should do.
A:Women above 35 years are at high risk for various medical problems (like you have high blood pressure though now under control), higher risk of Downs syndrome baby, and obstetric problems as well. Though your blood pressure is presently under control, you are likely to have pregnancy induced aggravation of the blood pressure, and all its attendant complications including antepartum hemorrhage, small for dates baby (IUGR), preterm labour etc. I agree with your gynaecologist’s point of view. You also need to take an opinion of your physician before planning another pregnancy.