I am often asked this question by women, who have been told by their caregivers that because they are over 35 years old, they are ‘high risk’ and unlikely to be able to birth naturally!

Firstly, let me say…35 is not old!  Neither is 40!   I can say this because I’m older!! 

But it totally depends on the individual and their health and flexibility. There is supposedly a higher ‘risk’ of having a baby with ‘Down’s Syndrome’ which they usually test for early in pregnancy, but this shouldn’t affect your body’s ability to birth. So, if you are fit and healthy, don’t have any medical problems or complications and the pregnancy is going well, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be able to birth naturally! Admittedly our bodies ain’t what they used to be when we were 20, but there’s no reason why you can’t prepare yourself well ahead of time by staying active, joining a pregnancy yoga class, having regular massages (partners listen up) and generally gather knowledge and educate yourself. Almost all the women I have known to birth beyond their 35 years, has labored and birthed beautifully. So…YOU CAN DO IT TOO!!

Stress is never good for us, but when we’re pregnant it is even more important to reduce stress levels, as we now have our baby to consider also. If you work in a stressful job, think about a change or taking on less stressful duties. Finish work as early as is practical in your circumstances so you have plenty of time to relax and prepare for the upcoming birth. Find relaxing pastimes, such as yoga, meditation, gardening etc.

See the article below about relaxation during pregnancy.  Consider listening to meditation CDs, or specially designed tracks for pregnancy, such as the ‘Pregnancy Relaxation’ Natal Hypnotherapy CD, which you can find at:

http://www.soulbirth.com/natal_hypnotherapy_cds.77.html

Try to avoid stressful situations as much as possible, as stress release adrenalin into the system and can cause a stress reaction in the baby also. Find things that make you ‘Feel good’ instead as this releases endorphins, creating the opposite effect.

There are a number of relaxation techniques available. Yoga is particularly advantageous during pregnancy as it also helps stretch and strengthen the muscles to assist in labour and childbirth. Many people find meditation helpful and again this can also provide a benefit during labour.

Relaxation breathing is a very simple technique which can take 2 to 20 minutes and can be practiced anywhere – lying down, sitting up or even in the car. Preferably sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Think about your breathing, concentrate on breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Busy people often take short, shallow breaths with their chest. Focus on using long, deep breathes in through the nose and down into the abdomen. Let your muscles in your lungs and ribcage fill your abdomen and concentrate on it swelling and then contracting as you breathe out. As you improve, and as time permits, increase your relaxation breathing to 20 minutes.

Progressive muscular relaxation is a method which enables you to relax the large muscles of your body. It is also a wonderful technique to put you off to sleep at night as it works on the theory that a relaxed body means a relaxed mind.

Progressive Muscular Relaxation Technique:

• Simply lie down, close your eyes and breathe naturally.
• Begin by clenching your fists tightly and then tense your arms.
• As you breathe out release the tension in your arms all the way down to your fingertips.
• Say the word ‘relax’ to yourself.
• Imagine the weight in your arms being drawn by gravity into the bed (or floor, or whatever you’re lying on).
• Next do the same with your feet and calf muscles and in turn with your thighs, bottom, stomach, back and head.
• Try tensing the muscles of your face last and as you breathe out saying the word ‘relax’ to yourself your entire body should feel heavy and relaxed.
• As you improve try imagining a peaceful scene and put yourself there. It may be a boat on a calm ocean or a beautiful clearing in the bush.
• Let yourself stay there for a while.

Whichever relaxation technique you decide works best for you try to do it as a regular routine.

Prevention of stress is better than a cure.

Join a yoga class or get a pregnancy yoga video out of the library, so you can follow along at home. Yoga is one of the best things you can do for yourself during pregnancy. It will help keep you flexible and strong, help you focus on your body and your baby, as well as give you a wonderful preparation for birth.