A Baby In Your 40s: What You Need To Know

Having babies later in life is a growing phenomenon, but it’s not always the easiest path to take. Being well informed is the first step

- Larraine Sathico

Although we’re at our most fertile in our 20s, statistics show the number of women giving birth in their 40s has almost tripled in recent years. As more women spend their younger years building a career, or struggle to meet the right partner, an increasing number are holding off on having babies until a time when they might also be approaching menopause.

While some might think delaying for that long is too big a risk, there’s often sound reasoning for waiting until you’re ready to be happily pregnant, says Melbourne obstetrician, gynaecologist and fertility specialist Dr Joseph Sgroi.

“Many couples want to be socially, emotionally and financially prepared before they start a family and some want to enjoy themselves before they take on the responsibility of parenthood,” he explains.

The passage of time, however, does mean that getting pregnant and staying pregnant is a lot trickier for older women, he adds. So if you’re thinking of having a baby in your 40s. here’s what you need to know.

YOUR EGGS ARE OLDER

The number of eggs in your ovaries declines rapidly at age 35 and because the quality of remaining eggs is also compromised, the chance of conceiving each month drops from 20 per cent at age 30 to five per cent at age 40. Because of this, some unsuccessful midlife pregnancies are thanks to donor eggs from younger women.

MISCARRIAGE IS MORE LIKELY

The risk of miscarriage increases with age, being five times higher at about 42 than it is at 30. At 40, about three quarters of your eggs are chromosomally abnormal. Because of this, pregnancy loss often happens early, when a genetic abnormality prevents the embryo from developing beyond two or three cells.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED