hlpizzo:Hi Dr. Potter,
I am currently pregnant with my fourth child (& 4th boy). Although I am happy to be having a healthy baby boy I can't get rid of my desire to have a girl. I read somewhere that after four pregnancies the risk of health problems substantially increases. I just turned 35 years old and have really bad spider and varicose veins from my ankle to my groin with this pregnancy. Should I be concerned about going through another pregnancy and any health risks (to myself)? Thank you in advance for any advice/insight you may be able to provide.
Heather
The varicose veins will probably get worse. Regarding the health risks, there is an increased risk for post-partum hemorrhage, gestational diabetes, pregnancy induced hypertension but the risks are still small overall if you have had healthy pregnancies in the past.