Actor-turned-entrepreneur Aashka Goradia and her husband, Brent Goble, recently announced that they are expecting their second child. The couple shared on their eighth wedding anniversary. They had welcomed
their first child, Alexander, in October 2023.
The 40-year-old former actor made the announcement via a joint social media post with her husband. She captioned it, “On our 8th wedding anniversary!! The best news to share with you all on our special day!! Life with Alexander is going to get more and more exciting.. another BEACH BABY! Send us your love and blessings, as always! #khushibaatnesebadhtihai (sic)”.
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This was accompanied by a beach-themed animated video featuring sea waves and chirping birds. The announcement revealed that their second child is due in May 2026.
While this is an exciting new journey as the couple is increasing their family, it can also be important to be aware of the risks associated with a pregnancy in the later stages of a woman’s life.
Dr Triveni Arun Akkiraju, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Laparoscopy & High-risk pregnancy, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Hebbal, Bangalore, says, “Late pregnancy, also referred to as advanced maternal age, describes a woman who is 35 or older and pregnant. At this stage of age, the chances of pregnancy complications increase. Some of these complications include higher rates of miscarriage and a greater chance of having a baby with a genetic disorder. Advanced maternal age is the newer and preferred name for a late pregnancy.”
However, as healthcare advances, many women over 35 can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Understanding the risks, necessary precautions, and supportive care can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
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What are the risks?
Advanced maternal age can influence fertility, egg quality, and the body’s ability to cope with pregnancy-related stress. As you age, fertility comes down gradually, and the quality of eggs reduces, which means it might take longer to conceive. Older eggs may produce a baby with miscarriages or chromosomal anomalies. It also increases the chance of having a baby with Down syndrome or another genetic disorder.
While these risks are still low, they increase with age. That is why doctors often encourage early counselling and careful screening.
Late pregnancies also lead to some other medical conditions such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disturbances and preeclampsia. These conditions do not mean a woman cannot have a healthy baby, but the pregnancy must be monitored closely. Detailed scans, early screening tests and regular check-ups help identify problems before they escalate.
Delivery itself requires planning. With age, the chances of preterm birth, low birth weight and the need for a Caesarean section increase. Some women may also face complications related to the placenta or experience postpartum haemorrhage.
How to take care of the expecting mother?
Make healthy choices: Taking care of yourself is the best way to keep your baby healthy.
Before getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about your overall health. Discuss lifestyle changes that improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby. Address concerns you might have about fertility or pregnancy. Ask about how to boost the odds of conception. Also, ask about options if you have trouble getting pregnant.
Seek regular prenatal care: It helps if doctors monitor your health and your baby’s health. During pregnancy, a healthy diet is essential. Add more folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamin D and other essential nutrients in your diet. Gaining the recommended weight can support your baby’s health. It may shed extra weight after delivery.
Regular exercise helps ease discomfort during pregnancy, boost energy and improve overall health. It can help increase stamina and muscle strength, which helps with labour and childbirth. It is best to avoid substances like alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy.
Diagnosis and Tests
The most important step is preparation. Preconception counselling helps stabilise existing conditions like diabetes, hypertension or thyroid issues. It also ensures that the body is ready for the physical demands of pregnancy.
Prenatal genetic testing is usually recommended for women of advanced maternal age. These screenings can detect if your baby is at a higher risk for certain congenital or chromosomal conditions (present at birth). Most tests use a blood sample, an ultrasound or both. These tests detect the possibility of a genetic condition.
If genetic tests indicate your baby may have a congenital or chromosomal disorder or you have a condition like gestational diabetes, your doctor will take precautions to keep you safe. If tests indicate something, you may need more frequent prenatal visits with your obstetrician to check on the fetus’s growth and well-being.
With advances in medical care and technology, most pregnancies in women over 35 are healthy and result in a healthy baby. A late pregnancy is neither abnormal nor unsafe. It demands awareness.
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