7 facts about pregnancy at an older age
7 truths about pregnancy at an older age
Is a natural pregnancy at 39 or 40 common? I’m 44 years old—can I have a child? What are the chances of getting pregnant at 48 or 50? What does it mean to have a baby after 40? These are all reasonable questions a woman might have when planning a pregnancy after 40 or just before. Whether it’s a first or a third pregnancy at 40, the concerns are the same.
Being informed about the advantages and disadvantages of pregnancy after the age of 35 is the best guide when planning your child’s arrival, especially when discussing fertility after 40.
Every woman has the right and freedom to choose when she will become pregnant. Below, you will read 7 truths that present the pros and cons of pregnancy after 35, both in terms of pregnancy chances and potential risks.
1. Having your first pregnancy at an older age may mean a longer life: Is pregnancy at 35 or later linked to longevity? According to an American study, although pregnancy at an older age increases the risk of miscarriage and/or congenital abnormalities, women who become pregnant for the first time after age 35 are 11% more likely to reach age 90 compared to younger mothers. This is one of the wonderful miracles of pregnancy at an older age!
2. More and more older mothers are giving birth to healthy babies: In the USA, in recent years, the number of first pregnancies with healthy babies per 1,000 women aged 35–39 has increased by 36%, while the rate for women aged 40–44 has risen by 70%! In short, more and more women are moving forward with pregnancy at an older age, and the number of women having a young child at 45 continues to grow.
3. Motherhood at an older age may improve mental abilities: According to a study recently published by the American Society of Gynecologists, motherhood after 35 may improve a woman’s cognitive abilities. The study showed that women who have their first child at an older age score higher on intelligence tests, problem-solving tasks, and verbal ability assessments. Therefore, determining the best age for pregnancy is a broad question with many factors to consider.
4. Pregnancy after age 35 increases the chance of twins: Yes, this is true. Not only through treatment or IVF, but also through natural conception. Therefore, it is a myth that fertility drops dramatically after 35! (See also other fertility myths that have been debunked). Besides, pregnancy chances are related not only to age but also to many other factors, such as a woman’s health, lifestyle, heredity, etc.
5. Pregnancy at an older age increases the risk of giving birth to a baby with some form of congenital abnormality: The most common chromosomal complication is Down syndrome, caused by an extra chromosome. Statistics show the following regarding pregnancy chances at 45 or earlier and congenital abnormalities: A woman aged 25 has a 1 in 1,250 chance of having a baby with Down syndrome. At 30, the odds are 1 in 1,000, while in pregnancy after 30, the rates rise significantly: At 35, the odds are 1 in 400, and after 40, 1 in 100. Finally, above 45, the odds are 1 in 30. This is one of the reasons why natural pregnancy at 45 and above is associated with very high miscarriage rates.
6. Childbirth for women over 40 can be more difficult: According to Spanish doctor Isabel Palencia, women who have their first child after 40 are more likely to experience difficult labor. She explains: “Dilation times are slower because the tissues are harder. This slows down pushing, increasing the risk of fetal distress.” Of course, things are different when discussing a second or third pregnancy. It’s one thing to give birth to your first child and another to have your third child at 42 or 45.
7. Women who become pregnant at an older age have a higher risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia: The causes are still being researched. In some cases, it may result from pre-existing hypertension or diabetes, but in general the risks of pregnancy after 40 are increased.
Some advice from us:
- When planning to become pregnant, aim to be in the best physical condition possible. This applies to all women, regardless of age. Pregnancy after 40 is certainly demanding, so being physically fit helps significantly.
- Visit your gynecologist for prenatal screening tests and begin a dietary supplement that contains folic acid. Folic acid helps a woman’s fertility and supports the early development of the fetal nervous system.
- Maintain a healthy weight and ensure your diet is nutritious and diverse. Proper nutrition significantly supports fertility at 40 and beyond—and of course even earlier.
- Focus on foods naturally rich in folic acid, such as vegetables, oranges, legumes, and cereals—ideal for a pregnant woman but also for any woman who wants to support her fertility.
Read all the tips women trying to conceive should know.
The above will help you enjoy the wonderful experience of pregnancy.
In any case, if you are planning a pregnancy after 45, it is best to consult your doctor immediately so they can advise you on the next steps. Generally, natural pregnancy at 43 or 44 is quite rare, and especially after 45, the chances drop dramatically, while natural pregnancy at 50 is almost impossible. It is important to know your options so you don’t lose time and can make the best choices possible.
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