Fertility After 40 – Is it Too Late For You to Get Pregnant?
The most productive years in woman's life to conceive are those between 18 and 28. Even into the mid-thirties, while fertility after 40 is possible the ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. During your younger years your hormones that ensure ovulation, heighten conception, and ensure a healthy pregnancy are generally made easily and in larger quantities.
One of the greatest challenge facing women over 40 is developing quality eggs. The decrease in the quality of eggs is normal for this age. The number of couples in their 30s and 40s trying to become pregnant is on the up rise. It is more common to delay beginning a family for a number of reasons such as, second relationships, career and educational requirements, desire for financial stability, and waiting for the right relationship.
Even so it is crucial to understand that fertility after 40 declines in women. This is a normal part of the aging process. As women get older, the probability of conceiving is lower, the probability of having a miscarriage is greater and there is a raised risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby. In the common population, the odds of getting pregnant if you're over 40 is approximated to be merely 5% compared to approximately 20% for those under 40.
You should not stop trying to conceive when you've reached this point in your life, there are approximately 14 million couples trying to get pregnant worldwide at 5% of that number 700,000 thousand will conceive. That's pretty good odds. So is fertility after 40 is possible. Why not get started today?
Help to Become Pregnant – New Help For Women Over 35
Looking for the help to become pregnant? Take into account that women over 35 may take longer to be able to conceive. There are so many positive things about having children when we are older. On the other hand there are some risks you have to take into account. I know exactly how you feel, because that's just how it was for me. When I tried to get pregnant I was nearly 33 years old. I married my second husband and we both yearned to have a baby...
1. Women over 35 may take longer to be able to conceive.
This is related to those eggs we have had since birth. We don't make new eggs as men make new sperm. Our eggs are with us almost from conception. They don't always age well. They can lose quality and there can be fewer of them. This is one reason to seek help to become pregnant from your health care provider if you have been unable to achieve pregnancy after trying for 6 months.
2. There is an increase in spontaneous miscarriage.
There is an increase in spontaneous miscarriage with an approximate risk of 25 percent in women age 35-39 and 51 percent in women 40-44. If you look at this another way, women 35-39 have a 75 percent chance of not having a miscarriage.
3. Down Syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities
The concern many women over 35 hear about most often is Down Syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities. At 35 a woman's risk of any clinically significant chromosome abnormalities is about 1 in 200. Her risk of a baby with Down Syndrome is about 1 in 365. In other words, the odds of having an absolutely normal baby would be about 99.34 percent.
Have you tried so many things to help get pregnant? Are you frustrated... disappointed... or truth be told, even a bit angry that you're not pregnant yet?
Miscarriage Support – Unavoidable Versus Preventable Miscarriages
For every four couples who welcome new babies into the world each year, there's one which won't, falling victim to that dreaded word - miscarriage.
The issue has come back to the fore recently after the release of study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology which found that women who consumed more than 200 mg of caffeine a day (that's 2 cups of coffee) can double the risk of miscarriage.
What now? Give up your daily Cappuccino fix and you'll be fine? Well, that seems to be the message to come out of this research if you believe what you read in the media. The coverage has almost entirely focused on the headline-grabbing "2 Coffees a Day Can Cause a Miscarriage" and has virtually ignored the fact that there are many more causes of miscarriage. Unfortunately, not all miscarriages are as easily controllable (ie make that a decaf instead) let alone understood by modern medicine. So here is a list based on recent research papers (2007-2008) on the so-called uncontrollable versus the preventable miscarriages.
Uncontrollable Miscarriages:
- Age
Well there's nothing much you can do about your age. The older you are, more chances you have of conceiving embryos with chromosomal abnormalities including Downs Syndrome. The miscarriage risk after 6 weeks gestation at age 40 is 42% by opposition to 25% at 35. The average miscarriage statistic is 15% across all age groups
- Chromosomal Abnormalities:
Nothing much can be done here either. Indeed chromosomal abnormalities are the underlining factor behind a staggering 70 per cent of all miscarriages that occur before 6 weeks gestation and 50% of losses which take place between 6 and 10 weeks into the pregnancy.
Preventable Miscarriages:
- Caffeine
Reduce your intake to less than 200 mg of day. That's the equivalent of two or more cups of regular coffee, between 5 and 6 cups of tea and five 340ml (12-ounce) cans of caffeinated fizzy drinks.
- Smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs
Goes without say really. Give them up yesterday if you're serious about having a child.
- Avoid toxic chemicals: Cleaning detergents and even petrol fumes when filling up your car
- Don't eat large fish such as tuna which contain high levels of mercury.
- Don't consume undercooked meat of fish such as sushi which contain harmful bacteria to the foetus.
- Get vaccinated for rubella or chicken pox before you get pregnant as these vaccinations can cause birth defects and contribute to miscarriages.
- Stay away from soft cheeses like gorgonzola or brie
- Take prenatal vitamins.
- Lose weight
Obesity is fast emerging a leading cause of miscarriage - not mention birth defects.
- Eat Healthily
- Stress
Easier said than done when you're already anxious I know, but a recent British study found that stress can increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Hot tubs
They too should be avoided although more definite studies need to be done on that topic.
- Microwave Ovens
More research is needed here too to be conclusive but the medical advice today is to stand at least 170 cm (5 feet) away from a microwave oven.
Well uncontrollable and preventable miscarriages aside, it is important to remember that there are a number of things your doctor can do to determine the underlining causes of your miscarriage especially if it is recurrent: tests to determine if there are chromosomal problems between you and your partner, blood tests to find out if autoimmune disease, diabetes or hormonal imbalance may be the problem and the list goes on.
The best advice to come out of the medical establishment is that if you've suffered a single miscarriage, no matter how painful and heartbreaking it is, keep on trying to conceive because at the end of the day the odds are usually stacked in your favour.
Risks of Miscarriage
A miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion (as opposed to an induced abortion) refers to the spontaneous termination of a pregnancy, usually before week 20 of gestation. It is estimated that up to 20% of all known pregnancies may end in miscarriage, and up to 30% of all pregnancies in total.
This is because many pregnancies end prior to the woman even realizing that she is, in fact, pregnant (before the first missed period). These are known as "chemical pregnancies."
While many miscarriages cannot be satisfactorily explained, there are some common causes. These include chromosomal abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, problems with the uterus, placenta, or umbilical cord, and the presence of fibroids or cervical problems.
Many of these issues are particular to just one pregnancy, and are not likely to repeat.
Lifestyle factors may include high rates of exercise, as well as caffeine consumption. While one miscarriage, or even two, are usually followed by a successful pregnancy, if a woman suffers three miscarriages in a row, she may have fertility issues and should seek appropriate professional support.
Other factors can also contribute to the miscarriage percentage. These include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Women who require treatment for HPV lesions may have a higher risk of miscarriage, due to the removal of cervical tissue, with the increase most noted in cone biopsy procedures. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is also associated with a higher risk.
Vaginal bacterial infections can contribute to the probability of miscarriage; it is important to be infection-free and reinforce the immune system before conception. Finally, women over the age of 35 naturally experience a higher risk of miscarriage, as do those parents who have already had a child or relative with birth defects.
It is important to recognize that a single miscarriage - or even two - do not necessarily indicate infertility or any "fault" on the part of the mother or father. Most of the time, it is due to a chromosomal problem which is completely the result of chance, having nothing to do with the parents, and is unlikely to happen again.
While it is important to take the time to recover both physically and emotionally, and grieve as much as is necessary, your hopes of starting - or growing - your family should not be lost.
Common Facts About Miscarriage Symptoms
Any type of bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy is abnormal, the cause may be trivial or serious, but abnormal bleeding during the first trimester is common. At least one third of all pregnant women experience some type of bleeding (maybe only slight staining) during this time. Half of women ultimately losing the pregnancy while the other half of your pregnancy will continue normally and without problems.
In the clinical evaluation of women with bleeding during the first trimester should be tested on: abortion inevitable, incomplete abortion, ectopic pregnancy, gestational trophoblastic disease.
Other causes of bleeding, including cervical/vaginal, may be, trauma, infection, and polyps.
Depending on clinical circumstances, assessment may include a history, physical examination and laboratory tests such as ultrasound, quantitative HCG and progesterone.
The loss of a pregnancy during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is a time when the fetus can not survive. This loss may be involuntary (an abortion "spontaneous"), or may be voluntary (abortion "induced" or "elective").
Miscarriage or spontaneous abortion is the unexpected loss during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Since the term "spontaneous abortion" may be misunderstood by laymen, the word "miscarriage" is sometimes replaced. Such losses are common, occurring in about one in six pregnancies.
For the most part, these losses are unpredictable. About two thirds are caused by chromosomal abnormalities incompatible with life. Approximately 30% are caused by the placenta and birth is also untreatable. The rest of miscarriages caused by several factors, but are not usually associated with: minor trauma, sex, medication, or excessive activity
After a miscarriage, the chance of having another miscarriage in future pregnancy is 1 in 6. After two consecutive miscarriages, the chance with the next pregnancy remains about 1 in 6. After three consecutive abortions, the risk of having a room is greater than 1 in 6, but not much else.
The treatment in cases of abortion must be individualized. Many obstetricians recommend some way to rest in women with threatened abortion.
There is no scientific evidence that such treatment changes the outcome of pregnancy in any way, although some women may feel better if you are at rest in women with strenuous physical activities are limited, even for intercourse.
Pregnancy Miscarriage – How To Avoid It
Pregnancy miscarriage or spontaneous abortion is the loss of a pregnancy, on its own, which occurs in nearly 20% of all confirmed pregnancies. This usually occurs before 20-24 weeks of the pregnancy but it is most common during the first 12 weeks. When a pregnancy miscarriage occurs, the fetus, placenta and the amniotic sac are expelled by the body.
Causative Factors Of Pregnancy Miscarriage
The most common factor attributed to causing a pregnancy miscarriage is chromosomal abnormalities of the developing child. It could be due to genetic defects of the fetus caused by faulty egg and/or sperm. The lifestyle of the expectant mother during her pre-pregnancy days as well as during pregnancy period may also play a major role. Smoking, drug/alcohol abuse and exposure to hazardous materials can increase the risk of pregnancy miscarriage in women. Hormonal imbalances, health issues such as infections, diabetes, immune disorders, problems of the uterus or ovaries etc. can also cause pregnancy miscarriages. Women who have health problems such as diseases of heart, kidney or liver, thyroid problems etc. are at risk of a spontaneous abortion. It has been rightly said that if an expectant mother is given adequate pre pregnancy care she can greatly reduced the chances of a pregnancy miscarriage.
Symptoms Of A Pregnancy Miscarriage
Vaginal bleeding is by far the most common symptom. If you have no idea that you are pregnant and have vaginal bleeding that lasts for more than 2 weeks it is better to consult your physician as it may indicate a spontaneous abortion or some other problem that needs immediate attention. If you know you are pregnant and are bleeding it is time to call your doctor if you use up more than one sanitary pad in one hour. It may be accompanied with low back pain and contractions, and in some cases bleeding may be accompanied with clots. Women may also experience cessation of pregnancy symptoms such as tenderness in the breasts, morning sickness etc.
Types Of Pregnancy Miscarriages
There are several types of pregnancy miscarriages. An expectant mother who suffers light uterine bleeding and is found to have a closed cervix, the condition is called as a threatened miscarriage. When the expectant mother has uterine bleeding and an open cervix, the condition is referred to as an inevitable miscarriage. When the expectant mother has lost the fetus and the products of conception, it is referred to as a complete miscarriage. When the embryo dies inside the womb and the products of conception are not expelled, it is referred to as a missed miscarriage. Recurrent miscarriage occurs in some women due to any of the causes listed above. If women consult a physician before they consider getting pregnant and plan a pregnancy, exercise caution and take the necessary precautions, they can have a successful healthy pregnancy. These are a few facts about pregnancy miscarriage and a few tips on how to avoid it.
Identifying and Addressing Possible Causes of Infertility
When having trouble conceiving, a couple's best option is usually to speak with a fertility specialist at a reputable clinic in their area. Determining the causes of their infertility is the first step in identifying the exact problem and working on developing an effective treatment plan to overcome this problem. The different reasons infertility may occur may vary greatly in each couple.
Certain factors may affect both men and women's ability to reproduce, while other factors may be specific to either men or women. Learning more about these possible causes is often a good first step in understanding the problem and may help some people to reduce their risk of encountering infertility problems.
Smoking, using drugs and excessive consumption of alcohol may adversely affect both men and women's ability to conceive. Advanced age and stress are also possible causes of infertility in both men and women. Patients may reduce their risk of infertility if they quit smoking, cease using drugs and consume alcohol in moderation or not at all.
Lowering one's stress level may also have a positive impact on one's ability to conceive. Unfortunately, defeating the 'clock' is a goal many have set, but none have accomplished. Patients are encouraged to discuss fertility as it relates to advanced age with a physician.
Possible reasons for male infertility include certain medications, radiation and chemotherapy treatment, kidney disease and hormone problems and certain environmental toxins. Two of the most common causes of infertility for men are azoospermia and oligospermia. These conditions cause men to produce no sperm cells and too few sperm cells, respectively.
Some men are even born with a genetic disease that may affect their sperm such as cystic fibrosis and chromosomal abnormalities. Other illnesses that may occur later in a man's life may also affect their fertility. Varicocele is a condition that is identified with enlarged veins on the testicles and may cause infertility. Other causes are also possible.
The most common reason for female infertility is an ovulation disorder, most commonly with Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is an imbalance in hormones that may cause problems with ovulation and is the most common source of female infertility.
Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids and endometriosis-a disease that causes cysts or scar tissue to grow on reproductive organs, the intestines or other organs in the belly-may also affect a woman's ability to conceive. Other causes may also be possible and should be discussed with a physician.
Becoming a mother at 40′s
Italy is the western country that has the largest number of mothers over forty. 4.6% of children born in 2005, in fact, born to mothers over forty. The phenomenon is widespread in all western countries but in Italy takes on larger proportions, for reasons both economic and social. Italian women are harder to reach a working position, and therefore economic, stable and have much more difficulty in other European women to reconcile work and family. Certainly there are many women who arrive late for motherhood because they had difficulty conceiving but to be increasing the number of those who chose to delay motherhood to a stage of life they deemed most appropriate.
Although the forties today are mostly in good shape, unlike the majority of women the same age twenty-five to thirty years ago, over forty pregnancies involve greater risks than those conducted in any case at a young age, most often because are characterized by obstetric complications such as' hypertension arterial gestosis, the diabetes. We must not forget that maternal age is a risk factor for the occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Indeed as these women show an excellent overall health and life expectancy has lengthened cannot be said that the age at onset of menopause has changed. Women often postpone motherhood because they often prefer to devote to work and career, but unfortunately are still very difficult to get pregnant after forty, and the techniques of assisted reproduction do not guarantee the same results that can provide younger women.