Chances of a woman getting pregnant at 40

The average age of first-time mothers has been on the rise in the United States. Women are waiting to get pregnant, first spending time investing in their careers, relationships, and hobbies before settling down.

Today, about 20% of all births are to women over 35. And at ObGyne Birth Center for Natural Deliveries, we believe there’s no right or wrong time to start your family. We provide pregnancy care for women of all ages, yet it’s no secret that getting older often means declining fertility — and often, rising questions.

In this blog, our obstetrics team tackles some common myths and facts about getting pregnant in your 40s.

Myth: Age doesn’t matter, as long as you’re healthy

With more and more women successfully getting pregnant in their 40s, it’s easy to assume that age is just a number and it doesn’t really affect your fertility.

Fact: Age affects your fertility, no matter your overall health

It’s true that being generally healthy and living an active lifestyle can improve fertility, but age is a factor you can’t change. Fertility naturally declines, even if you’re healthy and you still feel like you did in your 20s and 30s.

As a woman, your fertility starts decreasing around age 30. Getting pregnant naturally gets more difficult, and both male and female age matters. Male fertility also declines with age, and influences how easy it is for a couple to get pregnant after 40.

Myth: Trying to get pregnant after 40 is too risky

A lot more women might be doing it, but is getting pregnant after 40 too risky? Older maternal age can mean an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, miscarriage, and other issues, so we understand your concern.

Fact: Most women in their 40s have healthy babies

Getting pregnant after 40 does carry more risks, but getting the right prenatal care helps most women have healthy babies no matter their age. Regular prenatal care is important for every pregnant woman, and you might need extra care in your 40s.

If you get pregnant in your 40s, your pregnancy will likely be considered high-risk even if you’re healthy. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy baby though. 

At your prenatal appointments, we do screenings and tests to identify any issues as early as possible, so you can get the treatment you need to protect your baby and your health.

Myth: If you can’t conceive naturally, you’re out of options

Getting pregnant later in life is more common than ever, but it still isn’t the norm. Fear of stigma or judgment might leave you wondering if fertility specialists work with women over 40.

Fact: You have lots of options to have a baby after 40

The chance of conceiving naturally in any given month is about 5% after you turn 40. While some women do get pregnant naturally in their 40s, many others use fertility treatments, like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or donor eggs to get pregnant.

Fertility care is highly personal, and if you’re thinking about starting your family later in life, we recommend scheduling a fertility evaluation right away. At your appointment, we discuss your health and your goals, and work together to find the best options to grow your family.

Do you still have questions? We’re here for you. Schedule an appointment with our team at ObGyne Birth Center for Natural Deliveries to find out more about getting pregnant in your 40s. Call our Forsyth, Georgia, office at 478-772-3780 or book online now.

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