Bonjour lecteurs! Are you done with children? Or still thinking about it? I am officiellement reaching 40 next year (I know!). While we are a very happy family the three of us and I love Stanley, there is always a little part of me dreaming of another child. However, as we’ve had complications the first time around, we decided that this was over for us. You might be in a similar situation, considering having another child. Pregnancy In Your 40s – What Are The Pros & Cons?
Cons
Difficulties getting pregnant: there is no denial that usually, women are at their fertility peak in their 20s. I’m barely 40 and already experiencing some hormonal and physical changes in my body. I can imagine that getting pregnant might take longer or end up more difficile. And even if there are lower fertility costs nowadays, I am not sure how I could cope with it all mentally.
Higher risk: once pregnant over 40, l’experience is considered high risks and you’re more likely to develop complications. It can include high blood pressure, diabetes, preeclampsia or even other problèmes at birth.
Risks affecting the baby: your bébé is also more at risk, The chances of them having a chromosomal abnormality or congenital disease is higher. Or it might be a larger newborn, that is equally dangerous to both of you.
Overall, you are not at your prime and even if medical conditions are amazing now, it will not be an easy pregnancy. C’est aussi important to listen to your body and take into consideration issues you might not have had to think about when you were younger. That’s why so many people still go for it. Nowadays, having un bébé over 40 is quite commun. It can also bring you lost of joy and happiness. So it’s not all doom and gloom. Being pregnant in your 40s has never been easier thanks to the medical support you can have.
Pros
More established: indeed, you may have a more established career and have a more secure financial système. Having a child is quite costly and you will be more able to deal with it all financially than in your 20s or 30s.
More mature: With age also comes more confidence and maturity. It can really help you when handling the responsabilités that motherhood represents.
Better for your well-being? Bien sûr, they are no direct health benefits of having a baby after 40. However, if you wait to get older to great pregnant, you might be in a better mental state or overall emotional well-being.
More experienced: Unlike in your 20s when you are clearly less experienced of life, a late pregnancy could also work in your advantage. you will have certainement seen family and friends going through it and you may have a better understanding of what is involved compared to younger mums.
Relationships with others: Equally, you may have known your other half longer and really get to know each other better. It’s un détail important when raising children. Parenting always come with a lot of doubt and unknown situations. You have to make a lot of décisions. So you could actually be better prepared together.
What do you think about l’idée of a pregnancy in your 40s? What are the pros and cons in your opinion? Do you wish you waited a bit more to have children? Or are you in this age bracket and considering having a child now?
Personnellement, I think motherhood encounters a lot of emotional and physical demands and I would really consider my options before deciding to conceive. Surrogacy also could be une bonne option, especially if your physical health is at risk. It’s less taboo than it used to be and the most important is to have both a baby and a mama healthy. After all, a happy mum makes a happy baby…
You can find lots more medical information on Tommys.org.
What are you views on the matter? How old were your when you got your child(ren)?
Collaboration
