Dealing with Pregnancy Later in Life

Dealing with pregnancy later in life can present several challenges here are a few suggestions for ensuring you are in the best of health for your baby and yourself:

Take folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube damage
Start walking! If you haven't been exercising regularly start with a walk for 30 minutes a day. Walking will help tone muscles, balance blood sugar and lower blood pressure. It will also help you in emotionally dealing with pregnancy.

Kegels, kegels, kegels.

Eat five to six small meals a day to ensure your blood sugar stays in control.
Cut down on animal protein and increase your consumption of plant protein.
Eat at least ten servings of fruit and vegetables a day. If you find it a challenge to get enough, then try a Greens drink.
Talk to a naturopathic midwife about vitamins, birthing options and optimizing your babies health.
To minimize your child's risk of developing allergies, avoid or minimize use of the common allergenic foods: corn, wheat, peanuts, dairy, soy and eggs, especially if you have food sensitivities or allergies. For information on feeding baby to

mimimize the risk of developing allergies here are some great ideas.

Avoid or minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals such as those found in dry cleaning, plastics and new building materials. Also any products that may contain: phthalates, PCB's and dioxins.
You are at an increased risk of having a C-section so ask your naturopath about preparing for surgery with homeopathics.

The biggest challenge for an older woman having a baby, will come after the birth. Let's face it, your energy isn't what it used to be. Fortunately, most older mom's have the financial backing to afford help. Make sure you take advantage of it and get lots of rest. You'll need all the energy you can muster for those little league games, playdates and teenagers!