Rocking the Cradle: Embracing Pregnancy After 40 - March 2025

Motherhood is a priceless journey, and for many Malaysian women, the decision to embrace it later in life is becoming increasingly common. This shift reflects evolving societal priorities, including career advancement, financial stability, and personal aspirations, alongside factors such as health considerations and even second marriages. Recent data shows that the percentage of Malaysian women giving birth after the age of 35 has risen from 20.8% in 2017 to 23% in 2022, making Malaysia the second highest country in South-East Asia for babies born to women of advanced maternal age. The financial demands of raising children have also played a role in shaping this trend. According to the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK), the estimated cost of raising a child in Malaysia from birth through university, can reach as high as RM1.37 million. These realities, coupled with the rising costs of childcare and education, have prompted many women to plan for motherhood later in life, ensuring a more stable and supportive environment for their family. Understanding Late Pregnancies While all pregnancies carry certain risks, those after the age of 40 may present its own set of challenges. Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Maternal Fetal Specialist, Dr Gayathri Mariappa Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Maternal Fetal Specialist, Dr Gayathri Mariappa, explains, 'Women over 40 are at a higher risk for medical and obstetric complications, including chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, which can elevate risks for both the mother and baby during pregnancy.' Dr Gayathri also highlights the increased likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. 'Recent studies show a stronger link between chromosomal abnormalities and potential congenital malformation in children born to women over 40, with the risks continuing to rise as the maternal age increases,' she added. Apart from pregnancy-related complications, women over 40 may encounter difficulties to conceive naturally. Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist, Dr Farah Leong Rahman Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist, Dr Farah Leong Rahman, explains, 'Women are born with a fixed number of eggs in our ovaries, which gradually decreases over time. By the age of 40, both the quantity and quality of eggs decline significantly, making conception more challenging.' Medical Innovations Supporting Late Pregnancies Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a highly recommended screening for expecting mothers from as early as 10 weeks, providing accurate insights into chromosomal abnormalities to guide informed decisions. The challenges of conceiving and pregnancy after 40 are now addressed with advancements in medical technology and treatments. For women experiencing difficulties conceiving, options such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) have provided a viable solution. 'IVF involves stimulating the eggs to grow, retrieving them, fertilising the egg and sperm in a suitable environment, and transferring the embryo back into the womb. The entire process takes about 2 weeks,' Dr Farah explains. Other fertility treatment options include hormonal medications to stimulate egg growth or intrauterine insemination (IUI), although these methods typically have lower success rates compared to IVF. Dr Farah emphasises that infertility can stem from both male and female factors, making it important for couples who are trying for a baby to get the partner to undergo sperm test. In cases where sperm quality is suboptimal, IVF is often the most effective approach. Lastly, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), also known as non-invasive chromosomal checking (NICC), is a recommended screening tool for expecting mothers from as early as 10 weeks into the pregnancy. Dr Gayathri explains, 'NIPT is a blood-based genetic test that screens for chromosomal abnormalities by analysing small fragments of foetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood.' This early and precise screening helps expecting parents make informed decisions about their pregnancy and prepares them for any necessary medical care or interventions. Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy Achieving a healthy pregnancy starts with preconception care, early screenings, and lifestyle changes, while recognising the impact of paternal health factors, with advancements in medical treatments empowering women to embrace motherhood at any age. Preconception care and lifestyle changes are essential for every mother-to-be to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Dr Farah advises maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including achieving an optimal body mass index (BMI), consuming a balanced diet supplemented with folic acid, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Dr Gayathri underscores the importance of early and regular screenings, as well as the paternal role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. 'Pregnant women should be screened during the first trimester within 10-12 weeks, for potential risks such as preeclampsia, cervical insuffiency, gestational diabetes, and undiagnosed medical conditions like kidney disease or heart conditions,' she explains. She also highlights growing evidence that paternal factors, including smoking and body composition, play a crucial role in improving pregnancy and foetal outcomes. Embracing Motherhood on Your Own Terms With rising career and financial priorities, more Malaysian women are choosing to start their families later in life, ensuring a stable and supportive environment for their children. Motherhood is a deeply personal decision, whether it happens before or after 40, shaped by individual values, aspirations, and circumstances. With advancement in medical treatments, right support systems, and proactive care, Malaysian women now have more opportunities than ever to navigate this journey. From advanced screenings to a range of fertility treatments, age is no longer a barrier to achieving healthy pregnancy and thriving motherhood. Want to know more? Head on over to Sunway Medical Centre Velocity located at Lingkaran SV, Sunway Velocity. For more information on Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, visit www.sunwaymedicalvelocity.com.my/ Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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