Motherhood after 40 has become an increasingly discussed topic in recent years, as more and more women choose to delay motherhood for personal, professional, or other reasons. For all of you who wish to have a child after the age of 40, we have noted below important solutions that assisted reproduction can offer.
Challenges of Pregnancy after 40
- Reduced fertility: Fertility naturally begins to decline after the age of 35, and this decline becomes more pronounced after 40. The number and quality of eggs decrease, making natural conception significantly more difficult.
- Increased risk of genetic complications: The likelihood of chromosomal problems, such as Down syndrome, increases with the mother’s age. For women over 40, the risk of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome is about 1 in 100.
- Pregnancy complications: The risk of complications such as preeclampsia increases, which can cause high blood pressure and affect kidney and liver function. In addition, the chances of gestational diabetes also rise, as well as the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight of the newborn. These complications require more frequent monitoring and intensive care during pregnancy.
- Increased need for cesarean section: Maternal age is one of the factors that raise the likelihood of a cesarean section. Women over 40 are more likely to require a cesarean due to complications during labor, such as dystocia, which may result from reduced elasticity of the muscles and tissues of the uterus.
The Solutions Offered by Assisted Reproduction
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF has become one of the most effective and safe methods for achieving pregnancy, especially after the age of 40. In addition, the use of donor eggs from younger women increases the chances of success.
- Egg freezing: Today, fertility preservation through egg freezing has greatly advanced and is considered a safe procedure. The likelihood of having a child from a cryopreserved egg is considered equal to that from a “fresh” egg in a normal IVF cycle. However, because success rates depend directly on egg quality and age, it is best to undergo the procedure as early as possible, ideally before the age of 35.
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD): PGD allows the screening of embryos for chromosomal complications before implantation in the uterus. Preimplantation testing increases the chances of a safe and successful pregnancy.
- Hormonal therapy: The administration of hormones can help regulate the cycle and improve ovarian function and egg quality. Therefore, hormonal treatment can significantly increase the chances of IVF success.
- Continuous monitoring and advanced diagnostic tools: Modern technology allows better monitoring of pregnancy, from the early stages to birth. High-resolution ultrasounds, blood tests, and other diagnostic methods help us detect and effectively manage any complications that may arise.
Pregnancy after 40 may bring feelings of anxiety and possible challenges, but modern scientific methods are available to provide important solutions in making your dream come true.
Assisted reproduction, genetic diagnostics, and advanced medical techniques make it possible to have a healthy child even at an older age. With proper medical support and attention to risks, motherhood after 40 can become a reality!
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