Pregnancy is one of the most memorable and joyful experiences of a woman’s life. However, it has been common to assume that the healthy and complication-free conceiving age for women lies in their 20s and 30s. And for women in their 40s, pregnancy is seen as something very difficult. It is associated with risks such as birth defects, miscarriage, low-weight babies, and much more.
However, time has changed, and with the development of science and technology, pregnancy beyond 40 is more common now. With advancements like IVF, IUI, and much more, it is possible to have a baby even after 40. And though IVF is not free of all complications, it has made the dream of conceiving come true for several parents.
Continue reading this blog to learn more about what pregnancy after 40 looks like, what its benefits are, what the risks are, what to expect, and much more.
Conceiving at 40
Conceiving takes time, no matter what your age is. However, if you’re over 40 and if you have been constantly trying to get pregnant but have remained unsuccessful in doing so, it’s time to see a fertility expert.
A fertility expert or professional can conduct the necessary tests to understand the causes hindering your pregnancy. This may include ultrasounds, blood tests, and other tests. Based on your condition and cause, the doctor may suggest suitable fertility options for you, for example, fertility medications or some other reproductive technology.
Some of the most common options available for fertility include:
- Fertility treatments like IUI and IVF.
- Sperm banks
- Surrogacy
- Adoption
- Freezing Eggs
What are the benefits?
Having a baby at 40 may look like a difficult and risky situation, but it has its own benefits. For example, women at 40 may be more emotionally and financially stable than they are in their 20s and 30s. Here, you are settled in your career, which means you have better financial status and better opportunities for the baby.
In addition to these, there are several other benefits associated with having kids after 40. These include:
- Enhanced cognitive abilities in women over 40.
- A better financial stance to raise children
- Children are less likely to develop social difficulties.
- Children are more likely to succeed in educational and other abilities.
What are the risks?
- C- Section
Pregnancy at or over 40 may come with certain risks and complications. These include chances of a C-section, genetic abnormalities, and much more. Let us understand these risks in detail.
C-sections become common for individuals opting for IVF as well.
- Chromosomal abnormalities
Research suggests that children born to parents over 40 can also suffer from chromosomal abnormalities. These abnormalities can lead to conditions like Down syndrome.
- Miscarriage
Evidence also suggests that women in their 40s and conceiving are more likely to have chances of miscarriage than women in their 20s and conceiving.
Miscarriage is quite a common complication for all pregnant women. However, it becomes a traumatic experience, leaving women stressed and emotionally exhausted.
- Premature Birth
Women in their 40s and pregnant are also seen to give birth prematurely. A prematurely born baby can have problems related to breathing, feeding, hearing, or more.
However, with modern medicine and technology, it is possible to avoid these issues and allow the mother and baby to live a healthy life.
40 and Healthy Pregnancy
40s, and pregnancy may not have been considered a great idea for a long time. However, you may ensure a healthy pregnancy with a bit of a change in your lifestyle. Here are a few changes:
- Try having a nutrient-rich diet full of fruits, vegetables, protein, and grains. Avoid too much fat.
- Try not to take on too much stress and have a healthy sleep cycle.
- Avoid too much drinking, smoking, or even caffeine to eliminate the chances of any complications.
- Try to be physically active. Any kind of physical exercise will help. Avoid excessive or rigorous activities.
- Health supplements can help. However, always consult your doctor regarding the same.
- Regularly visit your gynaecologist to keep you posted on your pregnancy status.
Takeaway
Fertility declines with age. However, science and other advancements have now made fertility possible at any age. That too, with satisfactory results and maximum comfort. In fact, procedures like IVF and more are not painful and are painless. So, you need not to worry about the same.
Following a healthy diet and lifestyle can do a lot. If you’re also struggling with conception, then consider visiting us, Dr. Biplab Deb. We provide one of the best pregnancy treatments in Kolkata, with maximum safety and hygiene. Worry no more and book an appointment today!
