Deputy Dean for Education, Research and Student Affairs, Faculty of Medicine (FK) Universitas Indonesia (UI), Prof. Dr. dr. Dwiana Ocviyanti, SpOG(K), MPH, stated that pregnancy in women under the age of 20 years or over 35 years has an impact on maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This is in line with the statement of the Head of the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN), dr. Hasto Wardoyo, Sp.OG(K) said that pregnancy in women of healthy reproductive age, namely 20 to 35 years, is considered the least risky.
According to Prof. Dwiana, pregnancies in mothers under the age of 20 years are at greater risk of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), eclampsia (seizures during pregnancy), and infection. This condition will put the mother at risk of giving birth prematurely and the fetus being born with a low birth weight. On the other hand, pregnancy in older mothers can increase the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, congenital defects, low birth weight babies, and even neonatal death (babies aged 0–28 days). At the time of delivery, they tend to require action, such as induction to c-section.
Medical conditions before pregnancy, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can risk pregnancy. Infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDs can also interfere with pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, pregnant women who have medical problems must receive supervision from a specialist doctor during pregnancy and childbirth, and receive appropriate treatment.
Other factors that influence pregnancy risk are cigarette consumption—both by active and passive smokers—alcohol, and narcotics. Smoking during pregnancy puts the fetus at risk of premature birth, congenital disabilities, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Drinking alcohol interferes with the growth and development of the fetus (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders/FASDs), while consuming narcotics doubles the chance of miscarriage.
To create safe pregnancy conditions, the prospective mother must be healthy. Examination before pregnancy is important, especially for women over 35 years old. This aims to ensure that there are no medical conditions that could harm the mother and fetus.
During pregnancy, mothers should check regularly so the health problems can be treated immediately. Mothers also need to carry out a minimum of six pregnancy checks, with two examinations having to be carried out by a doctor in the first trimester and third trimester. The recommended antenatal care (ANC) visits are once in the first trimester, twice in the second trimester, and three times in the third trimester. If there are problems, mothers must be immediately referred to a specialist at the nearest health facility.
“This examination is necessary for the health of the mother and fetus. Healthy pregnant women have the potential to give birth to healthy babies who are expected to grow optimally. Healthy mothers also have the opportunity to give birth without experiencing birth complications, both during pregnancy, labor, and after labor; they can stay healthy after giving birth,” said Prof. Dwiana.
