Pregnancy after 35 is no longer a rarity. More and more women these days are delaying pregnancy well into their 30s and beyond, due to career choices and various lifestyle issues. Globally, it has been estimated that today 1 in 5 women have their first child after age 35. And the good news is, most of them go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

For most women, a first-time pregnancy after 35 is also a time of anxiety as they worry about the role their age might play in baby's health. Here are a few guidelines to ease your mind and help you achieve a healthy mid-life pregnancy:

Eat a healthy diet
A pregnant woman needs an extra 300 calories a day - and you can get these by eating a variety of foods that are high in protein, calcium and iron. Increase your intake of protein and folic acid. As protein is crucial for the development of all new cells, a minimum of 60 grams per day is needed for the physical and cellular development of your baby. Folic acid helps in developing the spinal cord and brain of an unborn baby, and taking a multivitamin supplement that has 400mg of folic acid, will be particularly beneficial during this period.

Wash all fresh fruits thoroughly before eating. Avoid unpasteurized milk or soft cheeses and undercooked or raw meat, fish, shellfish or eggs - to prevent bacteria and parasites that could be harmful to your unborn baby.

Check your Medication
Harmless as they may seem, certain medications are not safe for a pregnant woman. So review all drugs including prescriptions, over-the-counter and herbal preparations with your physician before, during and after pregnancy. If you are addicted to a particular drug, seek help immediately.

Exercise regularly - after checking with your doctor
Don't begin an exercise program without checking with your doctor first. There is no denying the fact that exercise is a good way to get and keep your body in shape and it also relieves stress during pregnancy.

Slow down and get some rest
Listen to your body as it goes through many physical and emotional changes during pregnancy. If you are used to a fast-paced life, slow down and cut back on those activities that sap your strength. Fatigue is a common discomfort during pregnancy, and could be enhanced if you are above 35.

Control the Caffeine
Curb your craving for coffee during pregnancy. Consumed in large quantities, caffeine can cause irritability, nervousness and insomnia as well as low birth-weight babies. Though studies about the effects of caffeine intake during pregnancy are inconclusive, it is better to limit caffeine intake during pregnancy as it is suspected to harm the fetus.

Quit Smoking
Smoking during pregnancy puts your baby at risk - and this includes passive smoking (staying in the company of a smoker), which is just as harmful as direct smoking. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to your baby, which may impair growth and result in having a premature or underweight baby. It also increases your risk of miscarriage, vaginal bleeding and infant death.

Say no to Alcohol
Most doctors advise pregnant women to avoid alcohol as no one knows how much puts her at a risk for a miscarriage or her baby at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome. Symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome may include mental and growth retardation, facial malformations, liver and kidney abnormalities.

Choose a doctor who doesn't view mid-life pregnancy as a problem
Your Doctor may be concerned that collectively the medical history of pregnant women over age 35 shows an increased risk of: high blood pressure, diabetes, cesarean birth and chromosomal defects. Remember that these studies are based on the results of midlife pregnant women as a group and are not based on your individual medical history. Listen carefully to make sure your doctor's concerns are medically based rather than opinion based (without any medical viability). Select an obstetrician who respects your right to have your pregnancy viewed individually.

Stay away from negative folks
All expectant moms, regardless of age, get their share of unwanted advice. As a mom over 35, you could frequently run into people who will tell you outright that you are too old to have a baby. Don't react to such negative observations and cultivate a positive frame of mind, instead. And most of all enjoy every moment of your pregnancy!

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