How Old is Too Old to Conceive a Pregnancy?
There is no “perfect time” to have a baby or get pregnant. But, there is no better time to plan your path.
However, the age of your ovaries may determine when it is be too old to have a baby. Few women over 45 will ever conceive spontaneously.
Your ovaries are born, when you are, with limited count of eggs, each passing year sees that number shrink through ovulation, pregnancy, illness, or natural ovarian aging.
The important question may be how soon should you try, not how old can you ‘wait’ to get pregnant.
Again means you will be more likely to have risks related to pregnancy, conception, or fertility treatments.
Your lifestyle may have to change, and the lifestyle of your partner, be sure to consider those factors.
Risks of pregnancy, and fertility treatments, are best discussed with your health care provider. She will be able to evaluate your medical history, both give you answers, and help you prepare for your best chances.
Even when the hurdles of natural increase in infertility are achieved, the risks to the fetus when carried in an older uterus increase. The sad truth is that the risk of stillbirth, which is rated at 40% to 50% potential for women above 40 years.
Once you get pregnant, any illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension, increase your risk of cardiovascular problems as you age.
Your risk of c-section increases with the older you are when pregnant. The risks of c-section also include risks of any future surgery, such as hysterectomy, that you may need. And having a c-section may increase risk in subsequent pregnancies.
Genetic risks of conception increase as you get older. There is a direct relationship between Down’s syndrome in the child, and the age of the mom when she conceives.
However, achieving mental, social, and financial stability can increase your confidence in tackling the motherhood.
It is up to you to figure out when the time is right! It is up to us to help you choose contraception until that time, and then to help you conceive as best we can when you decide it is time! Call for an appointment today.
