More women are choosing to have children later in life, often after focusing on careers, relationships, or personal goals. If you’re thinking about pregnancy after 40, you’re definitely not alone, but there are some special considerations you should know about.
Knowing what those considerations are is an integral part of enjoying a happy, healthy pregnancy. In this post, Shamsah Amersi, MD, offers an overview of what you should know if you’re planning on giving birth in your 40s.
A woman’s fertility begins to decline in her 30s and drops more noticeably after 40. This happens because both the number and quality of eggs diminish over time, making it harder to conceive naturally.
If pregnancy hasn’t occurred after six months of consistently trying to conceive, fertility testing can help determine the best next steps. Our team offers state-of-the-art testing designed to support each person’s individual needs.
If you’re over 40, your baby has a higher chance of having chromosomal abnormalities, like Down syndrome. Fortunately, noninvasive prenatal testing and diagnostic tests like amniocentesis can help detect these issues early.
Regular ultrasounds and check-ins help ensure both mother and baby stay healthy throughout the pregnancy. These screenings also help identify issues that could make traditional vaginal delivery more difficult, so we can discuss your options.
Fertility and hormone levels aren’t the only health-related factors that change with age. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders also tend to increase as women age.
Each of these issues can affect your pregnancy (and your baby) if not managed properly. Regular prenatal exams are especially important for identifying potential problems so we can address and manage them as early as possible.
Regardless of age, exercise and rest are extremely important for both the mother-to-be and the developing baby.
Pregnancy puts extra strain on your body, and fatigue is common. The catch: If you’re older, you might feel fatigue more keenly, which means you may need to work in more naps, sleep longer at night, or spread out shorter bursts of exercise throughout the day.
If you’re not pregnant yet, you should understand the potential effects of exercise on fertility and conception.
For certain women, including women who are obese and women with polycystic ovary syndrome, exercise can improve your chances of conception; for many women, vigorous exercise may make it harder to conceive. Our team can help you figure out how much exercise is healthy for your needs.
Women in their 40s are at a slightly higher risk of labor complications, such as preterm birth or the need for cesarean delivery. Understanding those risks — and your potential options — is important for planning and for your peace of mind.
Our team works with you to create a personalized birth plan that supports clear decision-making and adjustments if needed. Together, we can help you make the best decisions for a safe, healthy delivery.
Pregnancy in your 40s can be both joyful and emotionally complex. Having a strong support system helps ease worries and provides encouragement. Your partner and family members are natural choices for many women, but joining a support group can be beneficial, as well.
Taking time for self-care also supports mental well-being during this special time. Work in daily time for meditation, reflection, or a relaxing hobby to minimize stress.
Pregnancy in your 40s can present additional challenges, but with extra planning and regular prenatal care, you can embrace the experience with confidence, optimism, and better health. To find out how we can help, request an appointment via our online system or by calling our Santa Monica, California, office today.
