Is it possible to get pregnant for the 1st time after age 40 without fertility treatments? I mean, I know just about anything is possible but is it realistic at all? I'm 42 and relatively healthy. I have fairly regular menstrual cycles. Thanks.
just go ahead and have fun trying Im sure its possible but you might have to try more often than if you were younger sounds like something you might want to talk to your doctor about http://www.socalfertility.com/age-and-fertility.html
Someone I went to school with is 42 and currently trying to get pregnant for the 1st time. She and her hubby had their plumbing checked and doc said go for it! It's amazing that high-risk used to be over 45, then over 40, now some places in the US, for healthy women, it's as low as 35. I know there are a LOT of women our age who have never had kids or started in the last 5 years or so. If doc says it's okay, and you're healthy, then at least have fun trying! And keep in mind that a LOT of "oops" babies happen to 40-somethings! Crazy things happening in our systems!
If you get the family card, you'll get prego no matter what your age is. However, I do agree with BBAD, you may have to try more often to get the result you want.
While I'm in the desperately trying to not have another kid phase, I did know a lot of first or second after a long time moms in both La Leche League and while working a paper. Agree with a full health check up, maybe even genetic screening ( too expensive? Don't have a kid. They are REALLY expensive at the worst times) for both partners. Getting up to speed on all ovulation times/signs helps. It is all a gamble, but you can stack the deck a bit.
Sorry to be a bit morbid, but I was born with a heart condition to a mother in her 40s (she'd had 4 other healthy children before this). She has been in and out of hospital since I was about 12 and we've had some pretty serious health scares. As you know, for these reasons it's better sooner than later. If you're not successful within 6 months begin looking into other options immediately rather than just keeping on trying naturally as a younger woman might. Every year counts at this point (I'm sure you've already heard the 6 month guideline, too). With proper medical guidance and supervision it can happen, and of course everything is likely to be just fine. But you have to be prepared for that increased risk of it not happening naturally, or of complications. Don't forget that folic acid! Ovulation tests are a very good idea, but remember that sperm can live for up to 5 days so your best bet is to just go at it whenever possible mid cycle. Good luck
Definitely possible. My stepmom is 44 and due next week with my baby sister. Which will be her first child and it was completely unexpected and a big surprise. Stress has a big impact pregnancy, so just relax, try not to stress about it happening or not and have fun trying! Oh also, her pregnancy has been completely normal and healthy thus far.
Another way to look at it: you can expect to lose 5% of your fertility per year starting at age 25. So at 45, it hits zero (not absolutely exactly, but close enough for most women). Sorry, but that's biology at work.
the risk of having a child with down syndrome, or other chromosomal anomalities, rises with age. even if you have had healthy kids, the risk does get greater with age. also with the age of the father!!! think about it now, what would you do. would you want the whole prenatal diagnostic, would you abort? it is important to think about these things now beforehand, it makes decisions a lot easier. my 4th child was born when i was 42, she had DS, i love her to bits and am glad i did not do all the diagnostic etc. i would not have aborted her either. but everyone is different, and everyone makes different decisions because they are in different situations. the risk is considerably higher, for very young moms and for older moms!!
Yes, it's possible. My wife got pregnant for the first time when she was 40 and it was the first time we had sex after she stopped using the pill. Child was perfectly normal and healthy.
