How Risky Is Pregnancy At 39 Years Of Age?

Posted on Sat, 9 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 9 Aug 2014 Answered on

Mon, 1 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : If a woman 39 years old decided to become pregnant, how much does her current fitness level (if really good) impact the chances of her having a healthy pregnancy and baby?

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Egg reserve evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I read your query and I understand your concerns.

Following is my reply:

1) General fitness level is desirable but not necessary.

2) What is more important is reproductive health.

3) Get serum FSH and AMH levels tested.

4) Also get antral follicle count tested from your infertility specialist. Since there will be decreased no. of eggs in relation with age. Hence these need to be evaluated.

Let me know if you have anymore questions.

Regards,
Dr. Mahesh Koregol

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (14 hours later)

Thank-you so much for your reply, it did clarify the concern on reproductive health, however I am not sure if my question was fully answered, if a 39 year old were to fall pregnant, like myself again (recently had miscarriage) would the fact that I strive in staying physically fit and excercise daily increase my chances of having a healthy baby and safer delivery?

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I appreciate your commitment to stay fit.

You can continue with your fitness regimen till pregnancy. But once you get pregnant you need to stop fitness regimen as these regimen themselves cause abortions and you need to take rest or do light antenatal excercises only.

I hope your doubt is cleared now.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar