Have you found yourself accidentally pregnant after turning 40? Most people worry about getting pregnant after 40 and while it does come with risks, there are many 40+ pregnancy success stories. So whether you’re worried about pregnancy over 40 or hoping to postpone having kids until you’re after 40, this article will discuss the chances of getting pregnant, risks of pregnancy after 40, as well as pregnancy after 40 benefits.
How common is pregnancy after 40?
Age plays a huge factor when it comes to fertility. In fact, after the age of 35, a woman’s chances of getting pregnant start to reduce significantly as the ovaries not only produce fewer eggs, but the quality of eggs that can be fertilized also takes a hit.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women have only a 5% chance of getting pregnant after 40 naturally. While Infertility rates in women between the age of 15-34 are only between 7-9%, it increases significantly between the ages of 35-39 to 25%.
Benefits of pregnancy after 40
Via: iStock – pregnancy after 40
While there are risks of conceiving after 40, it does not mean that it comes without any advantages. Many women who decide to postpone having a child until their 40s have more time to dedicate to their children and more tolerance to raise them in a more carefree and positive environment. However, that isn’t the only benefit of pregnancy after 40, research has shown that other advantages may include:
- Longevity in women who give birth after 40
- Reduced cognitive decline in mothers
- Improved educational outcomes in children
Risks of you are pregnant after 40
Via: Freepik – pregnancy after 40
Because of the advancement in technology and medical research, it is still possible to safely have a baby at the age of 40. However, pregnancy after 40 can be quite risky and will require that your doctor monitor both you and the baby for the following:
- Miscarriage
- Low weight at birth
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Birth defects
- High blood pressure
- Gestational diabetes
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Disorders of the fallopian tubes
How to conceive after 40
While your chances of conceiving after 40 are reduced, it doesn’t mean they’re impossible. If you’re trying to have a child after 40 naturally, the process is not any different from any other age. You should be aware of your fertility window during ovulation and have intercourse during that window.
If however, your chances of conceiving naturally have declined, then IVF is an option. However, because of the quality of eggs at that age, it is best to pair it with freezing your eggs at a younger age to ensure you have better chances.
Further reading:
- 4 Reasons Your Pregnancy Test Is Negative, Yet You Are Pregnant
- How to Have Great Sex After 40
- Everything You Need to Know About Egg Freezing in Egypt
- What should you know about having a baby at 40 – Healthline
- What to know about pregnancy at 40 – MEdical News Today
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