On October 15, it was officially confirmed by Kensington Palace that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting their first child.

While the news was met with enthusiasm worldwide, there is an element to Meghan Markle's pregnancy that could put a damper on the celebrations: her age.

Markle celebrated her 37th birthday in August, which makes her pregnancy high-risk. Women over the age of 35 are more likely to suffer complications during pregnancy, according to physicians and fertility specialists. There is an increased chance of miscarriage, and the chances of a baby being born with Down syndrome also go up. Blood pressure is also likely to rise in older pregnant women, which can lead to serious conditions such as preeclampsia. This in turn could result in other health problems for the expecting mother, such as kidney or liver failure, and makes them more prone to developing gestational diabetes. There is even a likelihood of a c-section delivery or premature birth. 

Here's hoping that Meghan can beat the odds, and that she is blessed with a happy and healthy royal baby!