If Janet Jackson got pregnant at 49 it’s certainly not impossible for you to get pregnant at 40, because Dammn Baby, That’s the Way Love Goes.
If you’re over 40 and not getting pregnant, you should definitely see a fertility specialist. In fact, it’s suggested that you seek help from a fertility specialist immediately for couples over 40, after 6 months of trying for couples over 35, and after a year of trying for couples under 35.
When you’re 40, your chance of conceiving within a year is between 40 and 50%. While that’s less than the 75% chance of a woman in her mid 30s, it’s still far from impossible odds. However, once you reach 43, that percentage drops a lot (between 1 and 2%).
But Why Can’t I Get Pregnant?
Getting pregnant at 40 is hard because the problem is in the eggs, not the organs.
According to Dr. D. Navot the “environment” for women over 40 is ready, meaning the ovary, fallopian tube, and (most importantly) the uterus, are all competent to handle pregnancy. This is why many women over 40 opt for IVF or other alternative treatments. These treatments can allow for you to carry your child, but insemination happens outside the body or with a donor egg.
In your body, the ovum (or egg) is affected by hormone changes which hinder ovulation. Also, the limited amount of eggs you have decreases every month. According to the Baby Center, you’re only left about 25,000 eggs by the time you reach 37. That may sound like a lot, but remember that you start with between 300,000 and 500,000, and you lose about 13,000 eggs every year.
Make sure you stay aware though. Once you become pregnant, don’t assume it’s smooth sailing. Women over 40 are more likely to deliver a baby that is premature, underweight, or has Down Syndrome, according to the Baby Center. Make sure you stay healthy and honest with your doctor every step of the way.
So How Do I Get Pregnant at 40?
Again, seeing a fertility specialist should be one of your first steps. Read about how to find the right clinic here, but you can also check out some tips on getting pregnant we found below.
Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Weight has a significant correlation with ovulation, and as stated, ovulation troubles are usually the cause of infertility in women over 40. In terms of your lifestyle, make sure to drink plenty of water, stay relaxed (as stress has proven negative effects on fertility, and take your vitamins and anti-oxidants. Folic acid is almost always prescribed to pregnant women, but you can take it as well in preparation of becoming pregnant.
Along the same lines, you should always track your ovulation using an ovulation calendar. This can help you get the timing just right, but it will also show you if something is, in fact, awry with your ovulation cycle.