Women Don’t Have a ‘Surge’ in Fertility before Menopause

Is it Possible to Get Pregnant Naturally After 45?

Every now and then we see media reports about celebrities in their mid 40s having surprise pregnancies. Or you might hear stories like these from friends or relatives, or see them on TV. Menopause signals the end of a woman’s reproductive years and happens naturally between age 45 and 55, with the average being 51. After 12 months with no periods, a woman is considered postmenopausal.

While the chance of pregnancy is very low in the years leading up to menopause – the so called menopausal transition or perimenopause – the chance is not zero.

Is there a Spike in Fertility Before Menopause?

The hormonal changes that accompany perimenopause cause changes to the menstrual cycle pattern, and some have suggested there can be a “surge” in fertility at perimenopause. But there’s no evidence this exists. In the years leading up to menopause, a woman’s periods often become irregular, and she might experience some of the common symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes and night sweats.

The Stats for Natural Pregnancies After Age 45

Although women in their mid- to late 40s sometimes have “miracle babies”, the chance of pregnancy is minimal in the five to ten years leading up to menopause. The monthly chance of pregnancy in a woman aged 30 is about 20%. By age 40 it’s less than 5% and by age 45 the chance is negligible.

We don’t know exactly how many women become pregnant in their mid to late 40s, as many pregnancies at this age miscarry. The risk of miscarriage increases from 10% in women in their 20s to more than 50% in women aged 45 years or older. Also, for personal or medical reasons, some pregnancies are terminated.

What to be Aware of if You Experience a Late Unexpected Pregnancy

A surprise pregnancy late in life often comes as a shock and deciding what to do can be difficult. Depending on their personal circumstances, some women decide to terminate the pregnancy. Contrary to the stereotype that abortions are most common among very young women, women aged 40–44 are more likely to have an abortion than women aged 15–19.

Conclusion

Conceiving naturally at age 45 plus is not unheard of. While the chance of pregnancy is low, it’s not zero. If you’re keen to avoid pregnancy during perimenopause, it’s recommended you use contraception. But if you want to get pregnant in your 40s, there are some things you can do to boost your chance of conceiving and having a healthy baby.

FAQs

* What is the average age of a woman’s last birth?
The median age was 38.6 years, with a range of ages reported for last birth in the reviewed studies, showing a small proportion of women give birth after age 45.
* What are the risks associated with pregnancy at an older age?
There are some added risks associated with pregnancy when the mother is older, including chromosomal abnormalities, stillbirth, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and caesarean section.
* How do I increase my chances of getting pregnant in my 40s?
You can increase your chance of conceiving and having a healthy baby by preparing for pregnancy, seeing a GP for a preconception health check, taking folic acid and iodine supplements, not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and having a nutritious diet.
* What should I do if I get a positive pregnancy test?
If you get good news, talking to a doctor about what to expect and how to best manage a pregnancy in your 40s can help you be prepared and will allow you to get personalized advice based on your health and circumstances.