Choosing to become pregnant at 40 or later has become more common as women prioritize their careers, education, or personal goals. While it’s entirely possible to have a healthy pregnancy in your 40s, it’s important to be aware of certain risks and considerations that come with waiting.
One of the primary concerns of pregnancy later in life is the increased risk of certain complications. Women over 40 are more likely to experience conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia. The chances of having a miscarriage or a stillbirth also rise with age. Additionally, women in their 40s are more likely to have a baby with chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, due to a decrease in egg quality as women age.
For healthy couples in their 20s or early 30s, the chance that a woman will become pregnant is about 25 to 30 percent in any single menstrual cycle. This percentage starts to decline in a woman’s early 30s. It declines more rapidly after age 37. By age 40, a woman’s chance of getting pregnant drops to less than 10 percent per menstrual cycle. A man’s fertility also declines with age, but not as predictably.
While the challenges of pregnancy later in life can be greater, many women in their 40s have healthy pregnancies and births, especially with careful planning and proper prenatal care. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to understand your specific risks and options, as well as to ensure you’re in the best possible health before trying to conceive. With the right support, women can embrace pregnancy later in life and enjoy the experience fully.
Obstetrics
