Royal baby update: Pregnant Duchess Meghan under "increased care"
Duchess Meghan is likely to be under “increased care” for the arrival of baby Sussex, a midwife has claimed.
Liz Halliday, Deputy Head of Midwifery at Private Midwives, told The Sun that the royal’s “geriatric” pregnancy at the age of 37 may put her under “increased risk” for the labour.
Geriatric pregnancy, also known as advanced maternal age pregnancy, is a pregnancy that occurs when a person is 35 years or older. Experts warn that this type of pregnancy may increase health risks for both the infant and the woman giving birth, such as premature birth, preeclampsia and more.
Pregnant women aged 35 and over may be advised to opt for early induction before their due date to reduce the risk of birth complications.
“[The Duchess] is likely to have been offered increased care in these last weeks and days of her pregnancy, possibly including scans to confirm the wellbeing of her baby,” said Halliday.
“Although the Duchess of Sussex may have some very slightly increased risk factors due to her age, induction of labour carries risks itself and these should be fully discussed as part of a balanced discussion.”
Earlier this month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced in a statement that they would keep the plans surrounding the birth of their first child private.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very grateful for the goodwill they have received from people throughout the United Kingdom and around the world as they prepare to welcome their baby,” read the statement released by Buckingham Palace.
“Their Royal Highnesses have taken a personal decision to keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private. The Duke and Duchess look forward to sharing the exciting news with everyone once they have had an opportunity to celebrate privately as a new family.”