Academician Gennady Tikhonovich Sukhikh needs no introduction. He heads the Federal State Budgetary Institution “National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V. I. Kulakov” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
We asked Gennady Tikhonovich the most important questions of the readers and received comprehensive answers to them.
Is there an ideal age for pregnancy? Is it safe to give birth before the age of 20, or, conversely, at the age of 40 or later?
Early maturation in many modern girls contributes to the fact that at the age of 16 their body, from a physiological point of view, becomes ready for procreation, they can easily endure pregnancy, and then breastfeed. However, in terms of emotional and social maturity, these young mothers still need some time to “mature”, so we recommend planning childbearing at the age of 18+.
Recently, we have observed a tendency towards the fact that the age of first birth is gradually increasing both in Russia (now it is 26 years old) and in the world. And yet, as a specialist, I want to express my opinion: it is advisable to fulfill your reproductive function before the age of 30-35, and then actively pursue a career and self-realization. This makes it possible to rationally distribute life resources, to pay sufficient attention to the growth of children and their upbringing, and at the same time leaves enough time for professional development.
Modern technologies make it possible to extend the reproductive potential of a woman for three to five years, and therefore childbirth after 40 years is a fairly frequent occurrence. But it is important to note that a lot depends on the woman’s health and lifestyle, that is, on what baggage she came to her 40th birthday, how healthy her body is and has the potential for a pregnancy marathon.
The genetics of future parents also plays a significant role. At the age of 40+, the risk of developing genetic defects in the fetus, as well as various disorders of the mother’s health, increases. Therefore, such pregnancies require careful follow-up, ideally from the moment they are planned. If the decision to have a child in adulthood is firm, specialists work with both parents, conducting a full examination of them.
Modern diagnostic technologies provide ample opportunities to identify the risks of developing genetic anomalies and diseases at the level not even of the embryo, but of the sperm and egg cells, so couples who decide to have a child in adulthood can receive qualified assistance.
Those who are now young enough, but for some reason are not ready for parenting, can take advantage of the new unique opportunities of “delayed motherhood and fatherhood”, when a cryo-reserve of eggs, spermatozoa or embryos is created at a sufficiently young age, so that when ready for childbirth, take advantage. Also, experts recommend creating a cryo-reserve of germ cells in case of prescribing chemotherapy and other serious treatment.
Why pregnancy may not occur and what to do if it does? When can IVF be needed?
There are many reasons for not getting pregnant. Not all of them are related to women’s health, and therefore it is necessary to examine both partners.
As a rule, in a couple who are sexually active without contraception, pregnancy should occur within the first year. If this does not happen, both partners are advised to undergo an examination.
IVF may be required if it is impossible to independently become pregnant (absence or obstruction of the tubes) or if early genetic diagnosis is necessary (risks of hereditary diseases), other reasons are also possible. Now in vitro fertilization has become available in most Russian regions.
Pregnancy and coronavirus: what are the possible consequences for a woman and an unborn child? Can a sick mother transmit the infection to the fetus?
In 2020, the Center provided its facilities to open a covid hospital, which treated more than 700 people. We are proud that our oldest patients – a lady of 98 years old and two elderly patients of 92 years old – were treated and discharged home in satisfactory condition.
In our National Center, a department has been created for the observation and delivery of patients with SARS-CoV-2. We can proudly say that during the work of the covid hospital, all babies born to infected mothers, and this is more than 40 children, were safe, and they did not need to stay in intensive care.
Since covid is a new infection for us, extensive studies are being carried out to assess the long-term effects on the health of mothers and children, but so far we have not seen negative dynamics. In general, if we look at the process of molecular and biological evolution, we understand that there are mechanisms to protect the fetus from death and reproduction despite the activity of a viral infection.
A disease in a mild or moderate form does not provoke serious pathologies or malformations, but a severe course can cause complications, primarily due to a negative effect on the mother’s body.
The placental barrier reliably protects the developing embryo or fetus. The child is not a target for the causative agent of the disease. This is proved by studies that have confirmed the absence of SARS-CoV-2 in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood. In most cases, women with coronavirus have healthy babies.
After 3-6 months after the infection, the body is fully restored and ready for pregnancy. Don’t put it off until later! I urge you – plan your pregnancy and bring new life to the world! And be happy and healthy!
