The Truth About Pregnancy After 40

Most individuals assume that a woman who is 40 or over can’t conceive. Society drills the idea into the collective consciousness that after 30, trying to get pregnant is near impossible and, even with fertility, may be a tall order. However, as more women are opting to work or delay starting a family, the reality is that conception after 40 is becoming more common. According to research, roughly 9% of first births in the US are by women ages 35 and up. Likewise, more than 100,000 women in the US give birth while being 40 or older. Here’s what people need to know.

Egg viability

Conception is not impossible after 40, but women and couples need to understand the statistics facing pregnancy in midlife. In particular, women are born with all the eggs possible. As such, egg quality and quantity do diminish with age. Research has shown that at birth, a girl has anywhere from 6 to 7 million eggs. By puberty, the number shrinks to between 300,000 to 500,000. At 37, that number may be as low as 25,000 and then a mere 1,000 by the onset of menopause. So, is conception impossible? No, but with age, couples may have to try longer to conceive.

Better health outcomes for baby

While a higher risk of medical complications during pregnancy in older women exists, conception later in life can yield better results for the offspring. Research that looked into pregnancy after 40 noted higher health outcomes in early childhood. Specifically, data pointed to higher immunization rates, improved emotional and financial stability from the parents, and stronger social and language development in children.

Slower but not impossible conception

Fertility after 40 is possible, but timelines might increase. Traditionally, specialists will advise individuals who are 35 or younger to consider fertility treatments after a year of unsuccessful trying. The timeline shortens to 6 months for people that are older than 35. The difference is linked to the potential diminished conception odds. However, factors like poorly timed intercourse, not properly tracking ovulation, and even male infertility can all influence success rates.

Not just women

Society is fixated on female infertility as the only potential source of delay. However, men have a part to play as well. Even though sperm is not finite like eggs, male fertility is directly linked to age, underlying health, and behavioral habits, just like women. In the US, research shows that a third of infertility cases in heterosexual couples are linked solely to men, another third solely to women, and the final third a combination of the two.

Options when necessary

While natural conception is always nice, some people will ultimately need help. Thankfully, assisted reproductive therapy (ART) is a well-established solution. No matter whether a heterosexual or LGBTQ+ couple wants to conceive, a range of options are available to make that dream a reality. From in vitro fertilization (IVF) to intrauterine insemination (IUI) or even add-on solutions like GIFT, ZIFT, or assisted hatching, becoming a parent or expanding a family is an achievable goal.