A baby at 40, it’s possible, but…
A career to consider, a recomposed family, longer life expectancy... more and more women today are having their first baby at 40. In 1990 only 12,000 pregnancies in women over 40 were recorded across the UK, with the number more than doubling to 26,400 in 2008.
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After the age of 37, fertility levels drop radically as tissue ages. Nearing 40, women’s oocyte production decreases by half, hormones begin to slowly steer towards menopause and uteruses sometimes begin to have undesirable visitors such as fibroma and other benign lesions... All in all, infertility affects around 20% of couples at this time of life. But that doesn't mean giving up a baby: many women aged 40 and do become pregnant whether intentionally
Don’t delay your baby plans
After the age of 40 however, the delay for getting pregnant increases considerably: from 2.6 months between the ages of 15 and 19, to 12 months for 40 to 45 year olds. The number of miscarriages also increases: 33.8% after 40 years of age and reaching 53% once over 45. Conception and implantation clearly become more delicate processes. While it’s not the right moment to hang about, you should nevertheless weigh up the risks involved in a late pregnancy before setting out on your big adventure.
Start by consulting your gynaecologist or your GP before stopping your method of contraception. Some health problems, more frequent after 40, such as high blood pressure and diabetes may need medical assessment before starting a pregnancy. Your doctor will also make sure that you are in good hormonal and gynaecological health. If you get the green light, start getting busy with your partner to increase your chances of getting pregnant and be a little patient.
Increased medical check-ups for pregnancies over-40
These days, obstetricians are fully aware of the risks and potential complications of late pregnancies, thus the reason for increased medical check-ups. Scans and an amniocentesis help to ensure that baby is fine, growing normally and presents no chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome. The risk of Down’s syndrome increases proportionally to the mother’s age: from a 1/2000 chance before the age of 25 to a 1/50 chance at 40.
If there’s a family history of genetic disease, you may be offered a test by taking a sample of placenta tissue to research specific abnormalities such as haemophilia, and a foetal blood sample to research infections such as toxoplasmosis.
In general however, more medical issues are encountered by young pregnant women who don't get enough check-ups, than older pregnant women who are often more motivated and more careful.
Copyright © 2009 Doctissimo
Posted 18.10.2010
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