Birthrate rising among older women

By Connie Wirta

AsAmerica’s birthrate continues to decline, you may be surprised to learn that one age group is having more babies: women ages 35 and older.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported an estimated 3,788,235 births in 2018, the lowest level in 32 years. Birth rates for women ages 15-34 continued to decline but rose for women ages 35-44. Comparing 2018 to 2017, the CDC says the birth rate for women ages 35-39 rose 1 percent while it was up 2 percent for ages 40-44 and 3 percent for ages 45 and older.

“Many of my older patients have waited to start their families after finishing their educations, starting their careers or having other life experiences,” said Dr. Kelly Greenleaf, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic. “In my 12 years of practice, I’ve cared for women of all ages and the one thing that’s been consistent is caring for older women who are creating blended families. Often they’ve remarried and are having children later.”

When it comes to childbearing, the biological clock is indeed ticking. Women who deliver at age 35 or older are described as “advanced maternal age” but that doesn’t mean they can’t have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies, Dr. Greenleaf said.

“The healthier a woman can be, the easier it is to become pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy,” Dr. Greenleaf explained.

MOTHER'S HEALTH IS KEY TO A HEALTHY PREGNANCY

After age 35, there is a statistically significant increase in chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. For example, the risk is about 1 in 200 or 300 for a woman age 35 compared to 1 in 1,000 for a woman who is 25. “Yet the overwhelming number of older women will have babies with normal chromosomes,” Dr. Greenleaf stressed.

Another biological fact is a woman’s eggs get older and become more susceptible to certain abnormalities, Dr. Greenleaf said. “A woman is born with all the eggs she’ll have in a lifetime,” she explains.

As women age, their likelihood of developing health problems increases. High blood pressure, diabetes and obesity can make it more difficult to become pregnant and to have a healthy pregnancy, Dr. Greenleaf explained. Age also increases the risk of developing high blood pressure and preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition during pregnancy.

Dr. Greenleaf said all obstetricians at the Essentia HealthDuluth Clinic are experienced in caring for older women and those who have high-risk pregnancies. The team includes Dr. Janyne Althaus, the Northland’s only maternal fetal health physician who specializes in the most complex pregnancies. The obstetricians also work with genetic counselors, a pediatric heart specialist and a pediatric urologist.

“We offer comprehensive care and make it easy for our patients to navigate it. It’s easy for me to collaborate with my colleagues, and I know and trust the care they’re bringing to my patient,” Dr. Greenleaf said.

The Duluth Clinic’s obstetricians offer 24/7 care to women in the Birthplace at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center. “An obstetrician is always there, on the floor, and we’re also available to take phone calls,” Dr. Greenleaf said. “There’s always a physician to take care of you.”

One of the biggest benefits is having a newborn intensive care unit and neonatologists at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center.

“Seeing moms and babies separated is so difficult and heartbreaking,” Dr. Greenleaf said of babies who need to be transferred to the unit from other hospitals.

She encourages any woman considering getting pregnant to come in for an annual examination or a simple “meet-andgreet.”

“I love when women come in and ask questions,” she said, adding it’s never too early to start prenatal vitamins.

Quitting smoking is one of the best steps a woman can take to reduce the risks to her and her baby. Smoking can make it hard to get pregnant and can result in a low-weight baby.

“The reason the baby is small is because it is not getting the same nutrition (as a non-smoker) since smoking constricts the blood vessels in the placenta and umbilical cord,” Dr. Greenleaf explained. “The developing fetus also gets all the chemicals from the cigarettes.” D

Dr. Greenleaf advises any woman to “optimize” her health before becoming pregnant. Her tips include:

• Try to reach a normal body mass index. Even losing 10 percent of your body weight can improve your fertility and aid ovulation.

• Get 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.

• Eat 10 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Decrease your consumption of carbohydrates and sugars, especially if you have diabetes.

To make an appointment with Dr. Kelly Greenleaf or any obstetrician and gynecologist at the Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic, call (218) 786-3600 or go to EssentiaHealth.org.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019

For 20 years, the Miller-Dwan Foundation has hosted ARTcetera, our community’s leading fundraising event. Every year we’ve received remarkable, and oneof-a-kind donations from individuals and businesses from throughout our region and beyond, all because they believe in the work of the Foundation and the difference we make right here in our own back yard. Over the years, net event proceeds have totaled more than $4 million, filling important healthcare gaps and creating some of our area’s most meaningful healthcare options — options that serve you, your employees, neighbors, friends and loved ones. ARTcetera proceeds help us create healthier people, healthier families and healthier communities.

This year, under the leadership of ARTcetera co-chairs Dr. Carolyn Forsman and Dr. Erin Grimsby, proceeds will directly benefit the Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Center. Polinsky is a leader in the delivery of specialized rehabilitation care for children and adults. Using a team-centered approach, physicians and therapists (including canine therapists) help patients recover from stroke, brain injury, accidents, sensory disorders and more. And together we can do so much more.

With help from MillerDwan Foundation’s ARTcetera 2019, the Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Center will become a true center of excellence, drawing on leading-edge medical evidence and the very best state-of-the-art technology to help people heal. Together we’ll see all new programming, additional critical care staff, more space, shorter wait times and miracles happening every day. All for the price of a ticket and one of the best times you’ll have all year long.

An Exclusive Evening To Benefit The

Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Center

Unique Number of Adult Patients Served in 2018: 969

Number of visits for adults:

Physical Therapy: 3,771

Occupational Therapy: 2,523

Speech Therapy: 3,268

Psychology: 855

Unique Number of Pediatric Patients Served in 2018: 1,440

Number of visits for children:

Physical Therapy: 4,474

Occupational Therapy: 7,555

Speech Therapy: 11,105

Psychology: 1,253

So, join the MillerDwan Foundation for a spectacular evening as we work to create spectacular care. And together we’ll infuse new possibility into the care at Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Center — helping children and adults who are up against the biggest challenges of their lives.

To preview auction items and register today, call 218-786-5829 or visit www.mdfoundation.org/artcetera-2019

Tickets are $150 per person.

With nearly 100 auction items, travel experiences, parties and dinners, fine art and more, this year’s collection is one you will not want to miss. For those who enjoy unique experiences that can’t be purchased, a variety of truly special events, activities, dinner and travel will be featured in the live and silent auctions. Examples include:

Bali’s Breathtaking Beauty

Get away to a one-of-a-kind villa in magical Bali, the most famous island in Indonesia, which blends breathtaking mountain scenery, beautiful beaches with warm and friendly people, a vibrant culture and an incredible resort. Whether you seek a respite from your everyday routine, a romantic honeymoon with your beloved, or a serene vacation with your closest family and friends, you’ll find the peace and rejuvenation you need at the Bali Double V Villa.

Rustic Costa Rican Farm Adventure

Welcome to paradise! Venado Valley Ranch Costa Rica is a 100-acre working horse and cattle ranch located near the world famous Venado Caves, Rio Celeste and Arenal Volcano. Offering nature-loving individuals, families and self-formed groups an authentic cultural immersion experience. Pura Vida!

Oldenburg House Dinner

Your group of 12 guests are invited to sample a five-course tasting menu created by Chef Paul Sapyta from Room at the Table and Emily Swanson from Oldenburg House, featuring seasonal foods and great wines. Sit back

Reserve your ARTcetera seats today!

• Friday, Sept. 20 and enjoy the recently restored 1894 Oldenburg House as you experience an unforgettable evening.

New York City for Two

You’ll begin this luxurious two-day extravaganza with a private, nonstop round-trip flight for two from Duluth to NYC. From there, you’ll spend two nights at the magnificent and contemporary Millennium Hilton in lower Manhattan. Enjoy a multi-course dinner at Michelin-rated Aureole, New York, the flagship showcase for Charlie Palmer’s unabashed, energetic signature Progressive American cuisine. Let your fantasies unwind with two tickets to one of Broadway’s most spectacular performances, Phantom of the Opera.

Boston Bruins Hockey

Trip of a Lifetime

Fly to Boston for a VIP experience with the Boston Bruins. Attend a game, meet the team, and leave with some signed gear and memories to last a lifetime!

Gucci Bracelets from Security Jewelers

The Gucci Bamboo collection bracelets will add finesse to any outfit. The Men’s Bamboo Bracelet and Women’s Bamboo Horsebit Bracelet come as a set and make a stunning statement.

In addition, this year’s featured artists include David Gilsvik, Gruchalla Rosetti, Elsie Cook, Michael R. DeWitt, and many others.

Learn more about all these extraordinary auction items and preview the full auction line-up online now at www.mdfoundation. org/artcetera-2019.

For the First and Only Time – NEW & EXCITING Venue

The space that was formerly Younkers, Miller Hill Mall

• 5:00 p.m. Social Hour and Silent Auction followed by Gourmet Dinner and Live Auction

• 10 pm: AFTERcetera:

Exclusive after party featuring music by The Sevilles https://mdfoundation.org/events/ artcetera-2019/ Reserve your tickets today. Get your friends together. Get your tickets. Get ready for a unique, fantastic night on the town with people who revel in positive possibility.