Introduction: In Slovenia, the social trend goes towards the decision for maternity at a later stage of life. Reasons leading to maternity after the age of 35 are many and are often interlaced with each other. Pregnancy after the age of 35 has advantages and medical risks. Pregnant women older than 35 get a free prenatal test, and a free karyotyping test after the age of 37. The role of a graduate midwife is to provide support to older pregnant women at the information, instrumental and psychological levels. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to present pregnancy after the age of 35, its advantages and medical risks, reasons for later maternity, prenatal tests and the role of midwife at helping older pregnant women. Methods of work: We used descriptive method in the first part of the diploma thesis, with which we critically presented the literature findings. In the second part we used a descriptive causal and non-experimental method of empirical research. We obtained the answers using an online poll. The poll was confidential and anonymous and we got the results from women who had their first pregnancy after the age of 35. Results: The results showed that 76,22% of our respondents were highly educated with at least undergraduate or postgraduate education, while 81,56% of them became pregnant spontaneously, although they had difficulties and only became pregnant after two, three or several years of unprotected sex. 50,79% of women did not have any medical risks or illness during pregnancy. As many as 71,15% of respondents were receiving information during pregnancy. The role of midwife in pregnancy after the age of 35 is important to 46,41% of the respondents. Discussion: The results of our research and the literature review have shown that pregnant women after the age of 35 are mostly highly educated, they have difficulties getting pregnant, the role of midwife is important to them and that they are better health informed about later-in-life pregnancy. The literature outlines a number of medical risks, complications, and problems in spontaneous conception which we could not confirm with our research. Conclusion: Giving the fact that in Slovenia, the average age of first time mothers is increasing, it would make sense to present potential risks and complications that come with later-in-life maternity during health education of adolescents.We should get better focus on reproductive health and take some steps in preservation of fertility.
|