There are things we don't realize can affect our ability to have children. Illness, age, past pregnancies and a few other factors all can affect our body's ability to have children.
While the advancements of modern medicine can help your body carry and deliver a healthy baby (despite these issues), it's still important to consult with your doctor before you get pregnant. Be sure to contact your doctor if you're displaying any one of these four signs:
1. You have a major health concern
Even if your health issue is not related to past pregnancies, it can still affect your ability to get pregnant, carry a baby and deliver her safely. Anything from back problems to anemia can interrupt a pregnancy or prevent a delivery.
Most health issues will not stop you from having a baby, but depending on the severity and condition, it definitely can. It's important to know how pregnancy will affect your current condition - something your doctor can help you figure out. If you've never had a baby before you may not realize what your body goes through for those nine months, not to mention the delivery. If you are not physically prepared, it may have devastating results for you and your child, making it even more crucial you speak with a doctor before getting pregnant.
2. You've had multiple C-sections
Even with today's medical care, it is not safe physically to have multiple C-sections. Each time you have another C-section you are re-opening a wound. You are cutting through scar tissue, moving organs, and disrupting wounds that have healed. While it is usually medically OK to have more than one C-section, once you have had three or four, doctors advise against having more. It really takes a toll on your body and can cause major complications.
If you have had multiple C-sections, it is definitely a warning sign that your body is giving up its ability to have more children.
3. You had/have some form of diabetes
Diabetes is a complicated health concern. Because it has to do with how your body processes glucose, the impact pregnancy has on your hormones adds some extra complications.
Gestational diabetes is a condition that can occur during pregnancy, and ends afterwards. If you have gestational diabetes, it can affect the baby's health (and yours of course) and can give you lasting consequences afterwards. However, if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you will definitely need your doctor's help to set up a plan to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. If you have had gestational diabetes with previous pregnancies it does not mean you can't have another baby, but you will need your doctor's guidance.
4. You're over the age of 40
Time has a way of getting away from us. You may be putting off having children until you're mentally ready, have enough money or have the right house but before you know it, you're over the age of 40 and future pregnancies have gotten a bit more complicated.
A woman's body can only ovulate for so long, and usually between the age of 45-55 she goes through menopause, which means you won't be able to get pregnant. Plus, the likelihood of having a child with health complications or birth defects heightens significantly when you are over 40 years old. While it is not impossible to conceive, carry and deliver a baby at this age, it's just a lot more dangerous for the mother and baby.
All four of these signs are just that - signs. They are not absolutes; medical miracles happen every day. But just knowing the risks and talking them over with your doctor can help you decide if you'll be able to carry your child or be encouraged to looking into other options.
