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Change of life also known as menopause is a
time when the body begins to decrease
production of the hormones progesterone and
estrogen. These hormones prepare the body
for childbearing. The ovaries also slow
production of eggs. However you can still
get pregnant. Periods slow and then cease. You may also
feel hot flashes, night sweats and mood
swings. Also it may also make it more
difficult to know if you are pregnant or if
your periods are gone for good.
Women over 40 who do not want to get
pregnant should use some form of birth
control. If however getting pregnant would
be a cause for joy then you don't have to be
concerned about birth control.
Many women choose to postpone childbearing
until after they have reached certain career
goals, some just didn't meet the love of her
life until they were in their late thirties
or early 40's. Or maybe a woman did nothing
to prevent pregnancy and it just happened.
Adrienne Barbeau had twin boys at age 50 and
Jane Seymour in her forties also gave birth
to twin males.
Men can produce sperm for their whole lives,
however women are born with all of the eggs
they will ever have. These eggs deteriorate
over time increasing the chances of certain
maternal age related birth defects and or
genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome.
Younger women tend to have an easier labor
and delivery are more likely to see their
grandchildren and have more energy to keep
up with the kids.
Older mothers are usually more stable
emotionally and financially and can devote
more of their time and talents to her child.
She may also get more exercise which can be
beneficial.
As an older mother you may hear of people
criticizing your decision to have a child at
40+ years of age, just ignore it. Some will
say it isn't healthy for you to be pregnant
at your age but as long as you are in
general good health and you consult with
your doctor you and your baby should be
fine.
Don't get upset if a stranger assumes you
are your child's grandmother. What really
matters is the ability to raise you child,
despite your age. Being a mature mom you
have learned to deal with life's little
crises.
There are some medical issues when an older
woman gives birth. Since her eggs are aging
and half of her eggs will have chromosomal
damage increasing her chances of having a
child with development problems.
Women over 45 are ten times more likely to
be pregnant with multiples. Some take
fertility drugs increasing their chances of
being pregnant for more than one baby. Those
having multiples are at a higher risk for
complications and have a higher risk of
premature low birth weight babies. You may
wonder if there are any benefits to having a
child after 40.
By age forty many women are more financially
stable than younger women and have achieved
many of their life goals such as education
and career. Today's 40 year olds are likely
to be in better physical shape than their
mothers were.
Good prenatal care is important for all moms
to be and especially 40 something's.
Author Bio: Elaine Byrne runs
www.1st-babies.com a resource for
information on
pregnancy and
potty training.
Other Helpful
Articles:
NOTE: The article above titled "Change of Life Pregnancy" was provided by a
visitor to "The New Parents Guide" and is the opinion of its author
Elaine Byrne. "The New Parents Guide" does not guarantee the information to
be factual. Always use the guidance of your child's doctor
over information you read on this site or elsewhere; your doctor knows what is
best for your baby.
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