Q: "I'M 40 and about to give birth to my first child. Is it likely that I'll need lots more medical attention and care from a midwife than younger mums?"
A: Michelle Lyne, a Royal College of Midwives professional advisor, says: "Many older mums have a healthy pregnancy and birth, although some women may need more monitoring if they have an underlying health condition. Women with existing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure will be monitored more closely during their pregnancy.
"Your maternity care may be different if you're over 35 and you may be required to have extra tests and antenatal appointments. All pregnant women are offered screening tests for chromosomal abnormalities and your age will be taken into account when working out the risk to your baby.
"Pregnant women over the age of 40 are often offered shared care between a midwife and consultant obstetrician, but if everything is going well, you'll probably see a midwife for most of your antenatal appointments.
"The important thing to remember is not to become anxious about your age affecting the outcome. If you are eating a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and not smoking, the chances are you're carrying a healthy baby, so try not to worry.
"If you do notice anything that concerns you, please talk to your midwife."
