Risk of stillbirth already at 30 - Aftonbladet

older first-time mothers at risk of premature or stillborn children has long been known.

But according to a new study from Karolinska Institutet, the risk already at age 30.

– A bit surprising was that the risk increase began so early, says Professor Ulla Waldenstrom which is one of the people behind the study.

smoking, obesity and age. There are the three factors that most significantly increases the risk of stillbirths or premature births. So far, the age range of 35-40 years has been seen as the breaking point when the age-related increase in risk taking off. But according to a new study from Karolinska Institutet, the risk already at age 30.

– Compared with the group of women who were between 25-29 years, we could see an increase in risk of about 20 percent for 30-year-olds. Above all outcomes in very premature birth and stillbirth. But the increase is from a very low level, says Ulla Waldenstrom, professor at the Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Institutet.

body ages for teens

In the new study, she and a team of researchers analyzed data from about one million first-time mothers in Sweden and Norway. And the numbers speak for themselves: should you have a baby without risk you have to be out early.

– The body begins the age after adolescence, but very slowly. It is believed that it is the aging process such as blood vessels that affect the placenta negatively, says Ulla Waldenström.

Together with the other authors of the study call her now more information on age important for healthy children.

– This should certainly not be seen as a warning. The risk for the individual woman is very small. But while many may want to make a choice earlier in life, says Ulla Waldenström.

women with prior deliveries may have lower risk

Although the increase in risk taking off after 30 is 35-årsstrecket still an important inflection point. For first-time mothers is the age at which an equal risk factor such as smoking or obesity. But for women who get their second child, the risk may be lower. This is at least the hypothesis that Ulla Waldenström and colleagues for their upcoming study:

– We believe there is an age factor there as well but it may be a bit lower. The women who get their second child at 35-40 is probably more healthy. It could be a form of natural selection, she says.