Getting pregnant at 45 or above? Well, just because of the age it is no less of good news especially if you are childless till that very time. Being pregnant at 45 or above is bigger news than being pregnant at a younger age. It is different and shocking for anyone. Though scientifically a woman’s fertility tends to drop by that age, there are always rare cases happening. Here we are going to tell you about a woman’s journey of pregnancy at 45 or above.
Is It Possible to Get Pregnant After 45 Years Old?
A woman’s fertile age from her 20s to mid-30s. After that, her fertility tends to drop. Getting pregnant naturally at 45 or above is difficult but not impossible.
Though after 40 years of age, fertility drops at a higher speed. But since everybody is different, exceptions are always there. Every woman is born with a fixed number of eggs in her ovaries and those eggs tend to decrease by the time a woman hits 40.
Odds of Getting Pregnant At 45?
Pregnancy possibility differs according to age. For couples in their 20’s and early 30’s, the chances of getting pregnant are between 25 to 30 percent in any single menstrual cycle. By the time a couple reaches 35 years of age the pregnancy chance per cycle drops to 15 percent. And by the age of 40, it further drops to 5 percent only.
The age of 45 leaves a very minimal chance of getting pregnant naturally without treatments. Still, some couples manage to get through that very thin line of the possibility of getting pregnant at 45.
By 45 years of age, a woman’s fertility declines so much that there is a very tiny chance of getting pregnant. So if you find yourself at that position unknowingly, do not freak out. You are not alone and it can be handled. But if you are 45 and willingly wish to get pregnant, then you must talk to your doctor before depending 100% on the natural phenomena.
Pros of Getting Pregnant at 45
A woman in her 40s is wiser and mature as the one in her 20’s or 30’s. She will be able to understand and handle things differently and maturely. Having a baby at such an age makes you a more understanding mother due to better experience and knowledge of the world.
You will not be a tiger mom but a wiser mom. Most people reach a very healthy lifestyle by the time they are 40. They are more settled and organized and the same will be passed on to the baby. The baby will have a better and sorted lifestyle.
Cons of getting pregnant at 45
Some studies indicate that elder pregnancies do not fare as well as the younger ones. Aged women also have higher risks of preterm births and placenta previa. No matter how maintained you are, your physical health graph is at a downfall at 45 and above and your body is not as healthy as it is in your younger years.
To bear a child, your body may not be as healthy as needed. Hence, it opens the doors to more complications. Many women at 45 are sick and medicine stricken. They have some problem or the other like blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, etc. which makes pregnancy harsher.
Symptoms of Pregnancy at 45 years of age
The pregnancy symptoms at 45 are not quite different from pregnancy at a younger age. The usual pregnancy symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Cravings
- Heartburn
- Sore-breasts
- Pains and aches
- Swelling
- Frequent urination
These are the usual pregnancy symptoms that almost every pregnant woman has. Along with these, a pregnant woman at the age of 45 years may have more symptoms according to her health condition. There can be more body pains as the bones are weaker. The digestion tends to weaken along with other problems like diabetes or blood pressure.
Normal and Healthy Pregnancy at 45
If getting pregnant naturally is possible at 45 then, of course, a healthy pregnancy is possible too. If you will, you can have a healthy pregnancy. But it is important to remember that because of the age factor, a mother needs better care and attention while she is pregnant. With the best prenatal care and a healthy diet, a woman of 45 years of age can give birth to a healthy child. This pregnancy can be as normal as any other.
Risks Involved Getting Pregnant at 45+
The risks increase considering the age of the mother. Here is the list of possible risks to look out for if you are or have planned pregnancy at 45 or above age:
- Gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Placenta problems: where the placenta covers the cervix
- Cesarean delivery
- Inefficient uterine contraction to push the baby out
- Ectopic pregnancy: where the embryo implants outside the uterus
- Higher miscarriage rate
- Harder on the mother’s weak body
Tips for A Healthy Pregnancy at 45 years of age
Pregnancy at 45 or above is a little different from the usual. Here are some tips that can be followed to ensure a healthy pregnancy at 45:
- Get a fertility checkup from your doctor before trying to conceive. Your doctor may give you some medicines to maximize the safety of your pregnancy.
- Get checked by your doctor regularly to leave no room for complications. Get all the prescribed diagnosis and medication.
- Eat a healthy diet. Diet plays a major role in pregnancy. It is advisable to get a proper pregnancy diet from a dietician.
- Do not miss your prenatal vitamins
- Stay hydrated. It is very important to drink lots of water and other liquids.
- Exercise for 30 minutes daily. Go for walk, yoga, or exercise as you desire to keep your body fit.
- Be alert to the signs of preeclampsia or other pregnancy complications.
- Gain the recommended amount of weight.
When to call a doctor
Since pregnancy at 45 is sensitive. You must know when to call your doctor. Here are a few symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain while urination
- Fever
- If vomiting's don’t stop
- Severe swelling on face, hands, and feet
- Blurred vision
- A sudden decrease in your baby’s movements
Sometimes you may have decided to not have children, but want to reverse your decision later in life. Pregnancy at 45 is not an impossible dream. With a little more caution and effort, it is possible. Good luck and stay at the top of your health during your pregnancy.