It is a socially conceived notion that older women have more problems in coping up with pregnancy, as compared to younger women. A recent study has revealed that first-time ‘older’ mums-to-be can cope with pregnancy, just the way younger mums-to-be do.

The research team, led by Dr. Catherine McMahon of Macquarie University, followed 620 Australian women in their 20s, 30s and 40s from their third trimester of pregnancy, until four months after the birth of their baby.

The research team found that the physical health, discomforts of pregnancy and overall mood was similar in women of all age group.

The study also showed that women aged 37 and older remained physically and emotionally healthy, just like younger women in pregnancy.

The older women showed similar levels of exercise and physical activity as their younger counterparts. However, they are more anxious about their unborn baby's well-being.

The research team also found that younger women were more positive about changes to their bodies.

Ms. McMahon said: “Older mums expressed greater anxiety about the well-being of their unborn baby, as you might expect given well publicized evidence of higher rates of obstetric complications in this age group.”