Women who give birth in their late 30s to 40s have a higher tendency to develop fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the womb) and have miscarriages, said Dr Roger Heng (above), a gynaecologist with 30 years of experience.

From the third baby onwards, a wellbalanced diet becomes very important.

"When mothers get to their third, fourth, fifth child, they start to get anaemia, a result of a lack of red blood cells.

"They also become undernourished as they have to take care of their children and don't eat as well," said Dr Heng, who runs a clinic at Sims Avenue.

He suggested consuming vegetables rich in iron and iron supplements.

He cautioned against binge eating as sudden weight gain could result in diabetes and high blood pressure.

Other than a nutritious diet, adequate rest is essential, he said.

The stress mothers face from work or caring for their other children could result in early labour.

Older women who give birth more than three times also risk having a prolapsed bladder, leading to urinary incontinence, said Dr Heng.

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