HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologyhigh risk pregnancyWhat are the risks of pregnancy if mom's age is 40 years?

What are the pregnancy risks when the mother is 40 years old?

Share
What are the pregnancy risks when the mother is 40 years old?

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 9, 2018
Reviewed AtFebruary 21, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 40 year old female. I did nuchal translucency (NT) scan at 12 weeks and 1 day. The result reads NT 1.1 mm. Free beta hCG 25.9 ng/ml. PAPP-A 0.53. My sugar levels and BP are normal. I am taking Aspirin and Enoxaparin every day. Kindly tell me about my risks.

Answered by Dr. Balakrishnan R

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I see nothing for you to worry about. Let me explain.

Here age is the only factor, but this is only a relative term. In the general population, the risk of genetic problems is high after 40 years, and we tend to screen all the pregnant ladies around this age group. Nuchal Translucency of up to 2.5 mm can be normal. You are very safe. This is the thickness of the skin fold behind the baby's neck. Both beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A) are within normal limit. It is usually expressed in MoM or Multiples of Median. Levels below 1.1 MoM is normal. The values are definitely within this. So net result is that there is no risk for any genetic abnormality, especially trisomy 21. Aspirin and Enoxaparin are given to prevent an undiagnosed blood flow abnormality to the baby. The remaining blood results are normal, you said. So overall you and your baby are fine. You do not need any further interventions or evaluations.

Hope I have clarified your query. Do write back if any more queries. All the best.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Balakrishnan R
Dr. Balakrishnan R

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Obstetrics and Gynecology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy