She also pointed to a significant social shift in India. More couples are choosing to delay marriage and parenthood due to career aspirations, financial planning, and changing cultural norms. While delayed pregnancies have become increasingly common, advancing maternal age is associated with a higher risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and chromosomal abnormalities. In addition, both physical and mental stress are taking a toll on reproductive health. “High-risk pregnancies are only going to increase,” Dr. Rajeswari Reddy cautioned.
