Pregnancy at 40 Increasingly Common in the US, What About in Indonesia? Here's What a Doctor Says

The trend of pregnancy over the age of 40 is increasing in the United States, but an obstetrician says the phenomenon in Indonesia is different. According to Dr Prita Kusumaningsih, a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, pregnancy in women aged over 40 is also quite common in Indonesia, but it typically involves a third or fourth pregnancy rather than a first. “What I have observed is that the increase in pregnancy over the age of 40 is not for a first pregnancy, but rather for a third or fourth pregnancy. The gap with the previous child is quite large, around six to seven years. For first pregnancies, the age range is still normal, around 25 to 30 years,” said Dr Prita. She explained that pregnancy over the age of 40 can still proceed healthily provided the mother undergoes more disciplined medical check-ups, consumes a healthy nutritional intake, and completes laboratory examinations. She also advised that pregnant women should be more proactive in communicating any complaints or conditions they experience during pregnancy to their doctor.