Those who decide to give birth at the end of their childbearing years are poetically called “late mothers” - apparently by analogy with late children. This definition is more beautiful than the repulsive “old-born”. However, twenty years ago they said this about everyone who gave birth after 25 years. Nowadays, neither at 45 nor at 55 there is any talk of old age.

And yet, these “young mothers” are older than the average age at which we usually become mothers. And this changes something in their experience of motherhood.

“Why don’t you ever race with me like Katya’s mom?” - Five-year-old Nina’s innocent question took 48-year-old Christina by surprise. “I never liked sports and didn’t run in my 20s or 30s,” she says. “But, seeing with what envy the daughter looked at her friend’s young mother, she involuntarily felt guilty...”

This feeling is familiar to many of those who gave birth to a child after 40 years. Can I be a good mother at this age? Am I paying enough attention? Am I overprotective of my child?

First of all, let us remind you: there are no perfect mothers, just as there is no ideal age to raise a child.

“Those who wonder, ‘Am I a good mother?’ would probably be wondering the same thing even if they were ten years younger,” smiles child psychotherapist Marcel Rufaud. “Then they would have found other reasons to worry.”

Doesn't mom run races or play on all fours with the baby on the floor? "So what? - psychologist Stéphane Clerger is perplexed. - Of course, it’s good to play with a child when we want it. But it’s good to just watch him play. This is even more important for his development. The role of parents is primarily to be present and attentive, not to be a playmate.”

“Now I have a different outlook on life and different priorities than I had at 25,” says 55-year-old Anna, mother of 9-year-old Aglaya. “Now I would prefer to spend the evening with my daughter, take a walk or read with her, rather than run to the cinema, visit or stay late at work.”

“Women who become mothers after forty are, in a sense, more free than young women,” comments psychologist Elena Shuvarikova. “They have already achieved a lot and can devote themselves to a much greater extent to the child. They are often more attentive to their children than 30-year-old mothers.”

“It’s like I’m a mother and grandmother at once”

Henrietta, 46 years old, daughter Victoria 1 year 8 months

“I had my first child when I was in my early 20s, and I wanted a second one, but it only happened in a new marriage. The birth of my daughter almost two years ago, of course, is incomparable. You live and live, everything is stable for you, your son is already an adult, a student, and suddenly your life turns upside down - a small miracle appears around which everything now revolves!

At my age, a child’s perception is much more voluminous. It seems to me that in terms of the degree of involvement I am now somewhere between a mother and a grandmother. At 20, I didn’t forget about myself, but now I’m completely focused on my daughter. I understand her moods better, I know what she wants. I pamper her more: after all, she’s a girl, I need to be gentle with her. Sometimes I imagine: she will be 20, and I will already be 64.

If only I had enough strength and time to take her through all the stages of growing up, to be with her as long as possible! This means I need to do everything to stay in good shape. And then how life will turn out. It is not given to us to foresee what will happen and how. Theoretically, in a few years I can become a grandmother. I don't mind at all! The son sometimes works with the baby and plays with her. I think this experience will be useful to him in the future.”

“I feel my parents’ sidelong glances at me”

Children see the age of their parents in the eyes of their peers. “While the child is small, he is simply surprised,” reassures Stéphane Clerger, “he is curious. And this moment is ideal for telling your son or daughter the story of his birth. Explain, for example, that he was born as a result of IVF, talk about the moment of his adoption, or simply emphasize: “I’ve been waiting for a long time to meet your dad.” There is no need to make excuses or encourage him to make excuses by talking at school about the life of his parents. Your words are intended for him alone, and he can remember them to create his own family romance.”

Having become a teenager, the child - even if he never admits this to his parents - will find a reason for pride in the richer past of his “old people”: “My mother witnessed historical events”, “My father traveled all over Africa”...

However, mature mothers worry not only because of the appraising gaze of other people’s children.

“The attitude of other parents and teachers is what hurts me! - Christina exclaims. - Nowadays, older mothers seem to be not such a rarity. But for some reason not at our school: there are only three or four of us, such “old ladies.” I feel my parents' sidelong glances at me. And the teachers, many of whom are younger than me, feel awkward around me. It’s unpleasant for me to come to school; every time I experience real stress.”

Of course, the situation depends on personal qualities, but “when you are 15 years older and also have a high professional status, you make other mothers timid,” says 48-year-old Larisa, mother of seven-year-old Artem, with regret. - The relationship seems to be friendly, but the distance is felt. I don’t belong to them.”

At the same time, a late child gives the mother a feeling of omnipotence, as if turning back time. At the age when peers become grandmothers, she is a “young mother,” which means she is again a young woman. For her, everything is just beginning - what an old age!

“The appearance of a child changes the internal perspective,” says child psychologist Galia Nigmetzhanova, “and life does not seem as ruthless as other 40-year-old women who feel the beginning of fading.”

“I didn’t expect such constant fatigue”

All the late mothers we talked to talked about exactly this. Pregnancy, as a rule, did not leave any bad memories; the most difficult ones began after the birth of the child. In the first months, they sleep in fits and starts, which they cannot catch up in any way, then there is an eternal rush - to children's classes, sections or school excursions.

“A child is pure happiness, and I don’t regret anything,” exclaims 48-year-old Laura, mother of six-year-old Sasha. “But I didn’t expect such constant fatigue... Probably, ten years earlier it would have been much easier to cope.”

Indeed, vitality decreases, notes Galia Nigmetzhanova: “This is physiology: everyone’s vitality and endurance become less over the years.”

All mothers feel physical fatigue, but for women over forty it is aggravated by anxiety about the future: will I have enough strength to lift him, will I be able to give him everything he needs - not only financially, but also psychologically. And finally: will I live long enough?

“Late mothers are more flexible and wiser than young ones”

“Late mothers” and their children are separated by not one, but two generations. “There are 40 or even more years between them - during such a period colossal changes occur in the modern world,” notes Elena Shuvarikova. - The world in which these women grew up and the world in which their children grow up are completely different. The older the child, the more difficult it is for them to understand each other. Games, interests, technology, music vary greatly.”

But it is “late mothers” who often try to keep up with the times and their children. Most of them easily navigate the Internet and gadgets, get tattoos and can flaunt youth slang.

Yes, some stubbornly adhere to the educational principles learned from their parents from the generation of the 1940s: unquestioning submission, a ban on participating in adult conversations. But others willingly accept modern democratic methods of education.

Their flexibility and openness are largely a characteristic of their age, says Galia Nigmetzhanova. “40-year-olds are somewhat similar to 20-year-olds,” the psychologist notes. “The time for new self-determination is coming for them. And they abandon dogmatic parental attitudes, open up to new ideas, and can think about and discuss them. And that’s why, by the way, they willingly enter into dialogue with psychologists. “Late mothers” are more flexible and wiser than young ones. They are ready to simply be close to the child, see his uniqueness and enjoy it.”

“I don’t feel like a black sheep”

Marina, 53 years old, son Timofey 6 years old

“When I gave birth to Timofey, those around me reacted as if I was a heroine: the first child at 46 years old! I was embarrassed by this general admiration. The magic happened without any effort on my part. Of course, life has changed dramatically. I used to belong to myself, now everything is focused on the child.

Before his appearance, for ten to fifteen years I was engaged in decoration and painting on various objects, usually far from the city. Now I can't leave. My husband is at work all the time, my mother, unfortunately, is no longer here, and there is no one to help me. But I don’t dare entrust the child to a nanny.

I won’t say that I refused the job with a light heart. I miss this outlet, and I’m trying to do something little by little. A child, it seems to me, is only part of our life.

I don’t feel like a black sheep; in our kindergarten group there are still several older mothers. The difficulty is that my son and I are not only from different generations, but from different eras. It already feels like we are looking at everything from different points of view. Young mothers, I think, need to rub in less with their child. I already foresee what will happen when he’s 13–16 years old... But I still try to worry in moderation.”

"Less effort to get out of a merger relationship"

Children remind us of our aging, because with their birth we move up a step on the generational ladder. Those who became parents in adulthood feel this change more acutely.

“In fact, they have been in good physical shape for the last few years,” reminds Elena Shuvarikova. - But they will spend these years raising a child. Their peers, whose children have already grown up, will finally be able to devote time to themselves: enjoying life, traveling, engaging in hobbies or self-education, making up for what they did not have time to do in their younger years.”

There is another side. “A 55-year-old mother who faces menopause just as her daughter enters puberty and shines with femininity may feel as if she herself is rapidly withering,” notes Stéphane Clerger.

But for the daughter, there are undoubted advantages in this situation: her mother is less tempted to unconsciously enter into a competitive relationship.

“A girl will need less effort to leave the merging relationship and assert herself, and perhaps her adolescence will not be marked by the desire for risky experiments,” emphasizes Stéphane Clerger.

"The child may feel anxious"

“Are you going to die soon?” - Sasha asked, seeing a gray strand suddenly appear on his mother. And Laura remembered that she herself once asked this question... to her grandmother. Sasha was born when his grandmothers and one grandfather were no longer alive. It is not uncommon for parents to be elderly.

“At the age when children begin to realize that they are mortal, grandparents symbolically become a screen for them, shielding them from death,” explains Marcel Rufaud. “But if they are not alive, the child may feel anxious.”

Every child once thinks that his parents may die. And in a late child, other questions are sometimes added to this question.

Nine-year-old Aglaya wonders whether her mother will see her children. 17-year-old Sergei is worried whether, after graduating from university, he will be able to financially support his mother, who by that time will already be 70. However, for now she works enthusiastically, skis and has no plans to become decrepit.

And although the concerns of children are understandable, the age of old age is being pushed back literally before our eyes. Today and into their 70s, many people remain active, especially when they take care of themselves.

And this is doubly characteristic of “late mothers.” Many of them consciously lead a healthy lifestyle. Becoming a burden to your child? It's out of the question!

The world has been swept by a wave of births “after 40.” Examples of Hollywood stars are inspiring: Halle Berry gave birth to her first daughter, Nala, at 41. Stunning beauty Kim Basinger gave birth to her daughter Island, also at 41, with Alec Baldwin. Celine Dion, after numerous attempts to get pregnant using IVF and an unsuccessful attempt to carry a child, was nevertheless rewarded for her efforts and faith - at the age of 42, the singer gives birth to two charming twins - Eddie and Nelson. Nicole Kidman (gave birth at 40), Mariah Kerry (at 42, twin daughter Monroe and son Moroccan). Meanwhile, in Russia, the neighbors stopped saying hello to one of my friends when she gave birth at the age of 40 - they say, at your age! There, in the West, this is already a common thing, but here it is rather an exception, a feat, a shock for loved ones.

But while I was writing this article, I unexpectedly came to the conclusion: the birth of a child defies any standards, expectations or predictions! And at 47 years old, you can successfully overcome all difficulties, and at 20, on the contrary, with an absolutely healthy body and an ideal set of genes, you can go through all seven circles of maternity hell. And the brightest and best example of this is the women of Petrozavodsk, who, despite all the prohibitions and conventions, gave birth to their first children after 40 years. So, get acquainted.

Olga Tarasyuk, gave birth for the first time at 46 years old

“I went towards this consciously, through obedience: I washed the floors in the temple. And when pride left and humility set in, Masha appeared. The first feeling from a pregnancy test is disbelief! To be sure, I even did a blood test for hCG. Then came boundless joy. It's like New Year's - you wait for a long-awaited gift, you know that there will definitely be a gift, and finally you receive it!

Everything that happened after was as if you were walking along an unknown path, constantly meeting something new and examining it. They say exactly: until you go through it yourself, you won’t understand. All the stories about children are NOTHING compared to what you feel in the end.

By the way, I had a dream, even “before the delay.” A little boy looked down at me from the sky, such a sweet childish face. I also thought: what an interesting dream... And although I had a girl, at first she really looked very much like a boy. It seems to me that children are given to us “from above.” Perhaps it is also true that children choose us for themselves. Who knows... Humanity has existed for so many centuries, but we have come here for a short time and are trying to draw conclusions...

But I became a believer, so to speak, by coincidence, when I was closer to forty years old, after the death of my grandmother. At first I just went to church - hand in notes, etc. Then a neighbor offered to work in a shop as a candle maker - to replace a woman with a heart attack. I was an entrepreneur then – I rented out a store. There is a lot of free time (everything is debugged, I just have to submit reports and resolve current issues), I am a free bird, why not help? It’s not work every day, and there’s a lot of time for reading. And there, knowing about my desire to have a child, they said: “Clean the floors! God will write off our sins." So I started washing. At first I did it as a practice - the pride was strong inside. I wanted to read books, but here it was... But the grandmothers made me wash with pleasure, from the heart. And I began to do it meaningfully. And I washed for almost a year and a half before I found out that I was pregnant.

Of course, there were fears. In gynecology, Lunacharsky has seen enough stories like this... It’s hard to see other people’s tragedies. Frozen pregnancies, very young girls... This almost never happened before. It seems to have something to do with the environment. I didn’t even think that this could happen... This is how spouses can’t wait to give birth, and here it is...

But what I was definitely not ready for was that I didn’t know that I wouldn’t get enough sleep. Nobody told me about this. But the issue was resolved by itself - Masha is still sleeping with me, for four years now. Although these are all, of course, trifles, just like the total chaos in the apartment. Humility came here too. After all, in the end I am a mother, and this is a great happiness!

Therefore, I want to say: give birth, mommies, don’t be afraid of anything and be happy! You still won’t feel the emotions that await you in advance. All people are different. Two people will go the same way - and there will be two completely different versions of events.

Evgenia Burilova, she turned 41 in the maternity hospital

There she celebrated her birthday with the girls in the ward: a glass of kefir and buns.

— There were no doubts about whether or not to give birth, that’s for sure. And of course there were fears. And the biggest one is the financial issue. And this fear remains to this day. I remember my state at that moment thoroughly. I did the test by accident, for fun. When I saw two stripes, I felt a flurry of emotions: I laugh and cry at the same time. I didn’t sleep all night and went to my mother with the news.

Did expectation and reality coincide? Yes and no... The biggest disappointment was pregnancy. Even I, knowing the course of this process due to my education (Evgenia - a doctor - approx. auto), was not prepared for what would follow. Toxicosis lasted 9 months, and at the end I could no longer eat, sleep, or breathe. The only saving grace was the pool. I was really preparing to die and giving orders to my relatives and husband what to do with my daughter... And another subsequent disappointment - what has now become of my apartment! The once incredibly cozy nest, which everyone was delighted with, with the advent of her daughter turned into chaos, where EVERYTHING was scattered, pulled out and torn.

I was pleasantly surprised by the first maternity hospital and staff. I am very glad that I had a Caesarean there. If God willing, I will go there again. And I surprised myself that I turned out to be so sentimental! I cry at any daughter’s achievement: when I sat down, I cried, when I went, I cried. The first time I consciously said “mom” and “dad” - I ran into the room sobbing! And, in fact, she’s shocked by her husband - he’s just a crazy dad! He just can’t tear himself away from Sofochka. And he washes my butt, and feeds me, and even lets me go to the hairdresser for three hours.

There were many discoveries with the birth of my daughter. Firstly, I didn’t think that I could sleep 40 minutes to an hour for a whole year. For now, my “blue dream” is to sleep for three hours without waking up. The relationship with my husband has changed dramatically. It was as if we had grown into each other with the birth of Sophia, and became one solid monolith. And it's so great! The image has changed: now I am “a la sport”))) But I think this will not last long. I also have problems with my memory, but I hope it’s just from lack of sleep.

If you had a choice - to give birth at 20 or now... This is a philosophical question. I gave birth when God gave. I had no choice. I just lived in hope that someday I would have a child. And my deep conviction is that a woman can give birth at any age!!! Before her physiological clock expires, she must give birth! But 40 or 45 years is nonsense! And at 20, and at 30, and at 40, and at 45, motherhood is equally difficult and wonderful! There is no need to be afraid and label “I’m already old”! It’s so wonderful to become a mother! And becoming a mother after forty is doubly great!!! Someone is already a grandmother, and you just gave birth... Yes, parties, dances, parties are left behind. But you have life experience and a certain amount of knowledge that you can pass on to your child. And in adulthood, you simply dissolve in motherhood, without being distracted by anything.

— In a short period of time, the number of women who became mothers for the first time after 40 years of age increased by almost 50%. Conversely, the number of early births “before the age of 20” in all civilized countries is steadily falling. Russia, however, is an exception... The number of women who gave birth to their first child between 30 and 40 has almost tripled over the past 20 years. Three years ago, a 47-year-old woman gave birth to our first child - and everything went easily and calmly.

My personal opinion is that giving birth after 40 is wonderful! It’s just that someone is already a mother at the age of 20, and someone is already a mother at 40. How God gave! And we should be happy, and not tormented by questions: “Maybe it’s too late?”, “Will I be able to give birth to a healthy child?” Do you think that a child after 40 cannot be born healthy? Throw all doubts and nonsense out of your head! Start rejoicing that you will soon become a mother and believe that your pregnancy will pass without complications! You will give birth to a healthy, strong baby, who will soon need a crib, stroller, car seat for newborns 0-13 kg and much more. Isn't this a woman's happiness?

By the way, the offensive word “old-born” has gradually disappeared from the lexicon, and childbirth in adulthood is no longer considered something out of the ordinary. For a middle-aged woman who has devoted all her young years to her career, pregnancy is an opportunity to try herself in a completely new capacity. In addition, she has a better chance of finding support from her husband. After all, a mature man turns out to be psychologically more prepared for the role of a father than a young man.

One more point: psychological readiness for motherhood occurs much later than biological readiness. According to psychologists, pregnancy in adulthood is much more favorable than in early youth. A woman perceives her condition more calmly, is less susceptible to stress, and experiences internal conflicts less often. She is more disciplined and lives in harmony with herself.

So today a woman has the opportunity to choose for herself at what stage of her life to devote herself to a child. And if nature gives you a chance to experience the happiness of motherhood in adulthood, is it worth refusing it? After all, being a mother at any age is such HAPPINESS!

From the author: I myself became a mother for the first time at 41 years old. I couldn’t think of a better time for such an event! Finally, the mortgage was paid off and we have a place to live... A year before pregnancy, I started jogging every morning - my soul and body came into harmony... Right now there is wisdom to study dozens of books and webinars on child psychology, and not limit yourself only to food, sleep and baby diapers. By the way, we have already inspired several couples to have a baby!)

Olga Blok

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Despite the fact that in most countries doctors recommend that women give birth to their first children before the age of 30, in life this bar is increasingly being pushed aside with a plus sign. Career, unsuccessful relationships, problems with conception - the reasons why motherhood is postponed can be different. Sometimes children are born when their mothers are already well over 40, and this certainly arouses interest and even controversy among others.

Us in website We are inspired by examples of women who find the courage to go against generally accepted norms, as the heroines of our selection did, who took the risk of becoming mothers for the first time at 40+.

Eva Mendes, 40 years old

Since 2011, the actress has been in a relationship with one of the most desirable men in Hollywood - Ryan Gosling. During this time, the couple had two daughters, Esmeralda and Amanda Lee, after which the star parents secretly got married. In an interview, Eva said that, having fallen in love with Ryan, she wanted not just children, but his children. Now Mendes devotes all his free time to his daughters and is not eager to return to Hollywood.

Emma Thompson, 40 years old

British actress and screenwriter, winner of two Oscars, Emma Thompson gave birth to her only daughter Gaia at the age of 40, when she got married for the second time. Her husband was actor Greg Wise, whom Emma met while filming the film Sense and Sensibility. In addition to their common daughter, the couple has an adopted son, Tindiebua Agabu from Rwanda, a former child soldier whom they adopted after the boy's family died.

Nicole Kidman, 41 years old

In her marriage to Tom Cruise, the favorite of millions, Nicole Kidman, had two children, although adopted - daughter Isabella Jane and son Connor Anthony. After going through a breakup with Cruise and several novels, Kidman got married again. Her chosen one was the Australian singer and musician Keith Urban. In 2008, when the actress turned 41, the couple had a daughter, Sunday Rose. Two years later, another girl appeared in the Kidman-Urban family, Faith Margaret, born by a surrogate mother.

Helen Hunt, 41

The star of the film “What Women Want” and a number of other wonderful films, Helen Hunt, became a mother a month before her 41st birthday. Both of the actress’s marriages, unfortunately, broke up, but in the second she had the long-awaited daughter Makena Leigh Gordon. Helen was eager to have a child and was already completely desperate, but a year before her 40th birthday she gave herself one last chance, and it paid off.

Glenn Close, 41

Glenn Close is the real record holder for the most Oscar nominations among actresses. The most iconic roles are in the films “Dangerous Liaisons”, “Fatal Attraction” and “101 Dalmatians”. In her third but not last marriage, at the age of 41, Close became a mother for the first and only time. Her daughter Annie Maude Stark followed in her mother's footsteps and also became an actress.

Jane Kaczmarek, 42 ​​years old

Mary Louise with her father Bradley Whitford.

American actress Jane Kaczmarek's achievements include more than 40 works, the most famous of which are Malcolm in the Middle and The Big Bang Theory. Jane was married to actor Bradley Whitford for 17 years, to whom she gave birth to three children: Frances Genevieve - at 42, George Edward - at 44, Mary Louise - at 47. As the actress notes, the maximum takeoff of her career began precisely when children appeared in her life.

Mary Stewart Masterson, 43

Mary Stuart Masterson is an American actress, screenwriter and director whose peak of popularity occurred in the late 80s and early 90s. The star has behind her not only three dozen full-length films, but also three marriages. In her third marriage, with actor Jeremy Davidson, Mary Stewart, who crossed the 40-year-old mark, had four children: two sons - at 43 and 45 years old, as well as a pair of twins, a boy and a girl, at 46 years old.

Cheryl Tiegs, 44

Cheryl Tiegs became the first American supermodel, when the word itself, “model,” had not yet even come into use, and only the bravest girls agreed to shoot in open swimsuits. Cheryl appeared on the covers of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and Time magazine multiple times, and the “Pink Bikini” poster became an iconic pop culture image of the 70s.

Tiegs was married four times; in her last two marriages, the model gave birth to three sons. At 44, Cheryl had a son, Zachary, and at 53, she became the mother of twins Theo and Jaden. True, these boys were born through surrogacy.

Geena Davis, 46 years old

Actress and member of the Mensa high IQ society Geena Davis has been married three times. But neither in her first marriage to a restaurateur, nor in her second with director and actor Jeff Goldblum, with whom she starred in the film “The Fly,” did Davis have children. Only after marrying plastic surgeon Reza Jarrahi did the star become a mother. At 46, the actress gave birth to a daughter, Alize Keshwar, and at 48, twin boys, Kian William and Kais Stephen.

Holly Hunter, 47

Many women, wanting to succeed in their profession and achieve a certain material well-being, postpone the birth of a child “for later.”

Pregnancy after 40 years is something that gynecologists around the world are increasingly faced with.

This phenomenon has its pros and cons. Is pregnancy and childbirth after 40 so dangerous for mother and child?

Should a middle-aged woman become a mother, and what are the risks of pregnancy after 40? Let's talk about this in more detail.

Is it easy to conceive a child after 40?

With age, a woman's body changes. This does not have the best effect on the possibility of conception.

The number of eggs varies for each woman. There is only one thing in common here: they are all formed at the stage of intrauterine development.

With age, reserves are depleted, and the ability to get pregnant is reduced by almost half. But not only the number of eggs is important, but also their quality. After 40, not everyone is capable of fertilization.

In addition, hormonal imbalances appear and chronic diseases accumulate, including in the reproductive sphere. If we add to this a decrease in the number of healthy sperm and a decrease in their activity with age in the future dad, it becomes clear that late pregnancy after 40 years may simply not occur.

If time is running out and fertilization does not occur naturally, they resort to the IVF procedure. Sometimes nature “jokes” with some women and sends them pregnancy on the verge of menopause.

Many people do not even realize that they are pregnant, and a delay in menstruation is attributed to menopause. Typically, these women see a doctor in later stages and most often give birth to healthy children.

Risks of pregnancy after 40 years

Psychologists believe that you should give birth between the ages of 27 and 33; gynecologists reduce the favorable age to 29 years.

But this does not mean that you cannot become a mother later. It’s just that in this case there is less chance of not only conception, but also a successful pregnancy outcome, both for mother and baby.

Pregnancy of a woman after 40 years of age may be accompanied by the following risks:

1. Chronic diseases, including vascular diseases, negatively affect pregnancy;
2. Preeclampsia occurs more often and its course is more severe;
3. greater risk of phytoplacental insufficiency;
4. pregnancy can become a provoking factor for the occurrence of diabetes mellitus, gestational pyelonephritis, and oncology;
5. at this age, many women have osteoporosis, which provokes diseases of the hip joints and symphysitis;
6. diseases of the vegetative-vascular system worsen, up to hypertensive crises;
7. metabolic disorders do not allow vitamins and minerals to be properly absorbed, which complicates pregnancy;
8. the uterus ages, the functional capacity of its tissues declines;
9. soft tissues lose their elasticity, hence ruptures and injuries during childbirth, which more often happens if this is the first pregnancy after 40.

Planning a pregnancy after 40 should be done after assessing the risks to the fetus. He may be born with developmental delays and various genetic abnormalities. Statistics say that if at the age of 40 mothers give birth to 1 sick child in 112 healthy ones, then after 3 years the figure is 1 in 49.

At this age, pregnancy often ends and spontaneous miscarriages occur. But women are not protected from such pathologies at any age, so a normal pregnancy after 40 years is quite possible; reviews from doctors say that with proper preparation of a woman, it will be successful.

Preparing for late pregnancy

If the decision is made to give birth, and preparations for pregnancy begin after 40 years, the woman will have to reconsider a lot in her lifestyle.

But you need to start by visiting a gynecologist. He will examine the reproductive organs, prescribe tests for hidden infections and send you to specialists, among whom there will certainly be a cardiologist, orthopedist, gastroenterologist, neurologist, dentist, geneticist and endocrinologist.

If you are planning a pregnancy after 40, you need to take tests to determine the amount of hormones. Any failure in their maintenance can not only negatively affect pregnancy, but will also prevent conception.

Overweight ladies will also need an endocrinologist. It will have to be brought back to normal before conception occurs.

Existing chronic diseases also need to be treated. In an “interesting situation” many medications are contraindicated.

Bad habits (smoking and drinking alcohol) are abandoned not after conception, but at least six months before: the body must completely overcome their consequences.

Before pregnancy, you need to saturate your body with vitamins and minerals:

• Dairy products will help normalize calcium levels (primarily cottage cheese, and 2 tablets of preparations containing it daily);
• the required amount of omega-3 and omega-6 can be obtained by eating fatty fish or capsules with fish oil;
• you will need preparations containing iodine and iron;
• You will have to take special vitamin complexes for pregnant women in advance.

To ensure that future pregnancy proceeds without complications, take care in advance of walking and moderate physical activity. Stress must be avoided.

Pros of having a baby after 40

Pregnancy for a woman over 40 is a serious test for the body. You will also need strength after the baby is born.

But, despite all the difficulties, many women decide to take such a step and rarely regret it. The disadvantages and possible risks of late motherhood have already been mentioned. Are there any advantages?

There are many of them:

1. a hormonal surge after a normal pregnancy rejuvenates the body;
2. if the late child is the only one, parents have a chance to experience all the joys of motherhood and fatherhood;
3. studies show that the abilities of late children exceed the average level;
4. at the age of 40, the financial situation is stable;
5. mature parents can give much more to the child in terms of education and have time for this;
6. there is an incentive to monitor your health.

Women who give birth after 40 live longer. If earlier this was just an everyday observation, it has recently received scientific confirmation in research by American and Canadian scientists. Late childbirth not only prolongs the mother’s life, this ability to live longevity becomes genetic and is inherited.

Conclusion

To give birth or not after 40 - each woman decides independently, taking into account not only her desire, but also deviations in health and family circumstances.

The state of medicine in our time allows giving birth at this age without harm to the body.

Various studies will reveal any abnormalities in the development of the fetus at an early stage.

Doctors have learned to correct developmental anomalies in the womb, performing operations using specially developed technology.

Video: Late pregnancy giving birth after 40

Nowadays, many women are starting a family late. Some - because they get an education and make a career. Others - because they have been looking for a suitable partner for a long time. But it happens that by the time a woman gets a good position and finds the man of her dreams, she will already be 40 years old. And then she begins to worry, is it too late to have a baby now?

There is great news! Pregnancy after 40 is definitely possible. It can be smart and safe. Although the likelihood of conceiving decreases with age, many women these days prefer to become pregnant not only at 40, but after and even closer to 50. Perhaps this is your situation. However, you should be aware of the possible problems of pregnancy after 40 years of age, and how to deal with them in order to get pregnant faster.

What are the chances of a successful pregnancy after 40 years of age?

It is important to understand the real chances of conceiving a child after 40 years. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine says women at this age have less than a 5% chance of conceiving naturally (without fertility treatment). According to the American Pregnancy Association, the use of in vitro fertilization for women over 40 years of age has a success rate of 6-10% of cases.

These numbers don't look good, but keep in mind that for most women, reproductive capacity peaks in their 20s and declines gradually thereafter. In fact, by the time you reach 30, your chances of getting pregnant naturally are about 20%. And after 35 years, the body’s fertility is already at a low level.

According to one of America's leading experts and author of 4 best-selling fertility books, Sherman Silber, at age 40, your chance of conceiving within a year is 40 to 50 percent, compared to a woman in her mid-30s who has 75 percent chance. At age 43, a woman's chance of pregnancy drops to 1 or 2 percent. This is explained by the number of eggs that remain in the woman’s body by this period. At the point of reproductive age there are 300-500 thousand of them, and after that you lose about 13 thousand per year. Over the years, this steady decline gives you about 25,000 eggs by age 37, an age that also coincides with a sharp decline in fertility.

A study in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility confirms this. Scientists found that 40-year-old women treated for infertility had a 25 percent chance of becoming pregnant using their eggs. But by age 43, this number drops to 10%, and by age 44, to 1.6%. In other words, every year the probability of becoming pregnant, especially with your own eggs, drops significantly and, for example, at the age of 41 it is much higher than at 43.

How to increase your success rate?

First, you should try unprotected sex two to three times a week for three months. If pregnancy does not occur after this, you should consult a doctor. You may want to have some blood tests done to rule out potential problems that may be preventing you from conceiving.

If these tests are good, you need to keep trying. Here are a few factors that can increase your chances of getting pregnant:

1. Observation by a good doctor

It is very important to find a good obstetrician-gynecologist whose main profile is the treatment of infertility and management of pregnancies with pathologies. A good specialist will determine the need for treatment and tell you about methods that can increase the likelihood of conception. Communication with such a doctor should be convenient (therefore, it is advisable that he is nearby), since it may take a long time before receiving a positive pregnancy test result.

2. Treatment of chronic diseases

All health problems should be resolved before pregnancy. Lose weight or gain some weight if necessary. Get treatment for existing chronic diseases, such as hypertension. It should be remembered that some diseases are sometimes asymptomatic. For example, thyroid problems or some sexually transmitted diseases. But they affect the ability to conceive. This is why a good doctor who will do all the necessary research is so important.

3. Healthy lifestyle

To increase the likelihood of conception, sometimes you need to adjust your lifestyle. You should avoid drinking wine and other alcoholic beverages. The same goes for smoking - you need to quit smoking. It is necessary to exclude everything that poses a danger to life and health. It is also desirable to reduce emotional stress. Eat and sleep as if you were already pregnant.

4. Proper nutrition

What about eating habits? Now the main rule is to eat as if conception has already occurred. Eat whole grain breads, cereals, legumes, vegetables and fruits that contain folic acid: citrus fruits and leafy greens. Protein sources should include lean meat and fatty fish, eggs and low-fat dairy products. Reduce sugar in your diet, avoid unhealthy foods: smoked, fried, canned foods. Taking prenatal vitamins is a very good idea.

5. Donor egg option

You may be able to get pregnant naturally. But statistics say that there is very little chance of this. This is why you should consider donor eggs if you really want to have a child. For a woman over 40 years of age, pregnancy with viable donor eggs is preferable to natural conception. In this case, they are fertilized “in vitro”, and then after the first stages of embryo development, it is transferred to the uterus for further development and gestation.

You can also think about surrogacy. In recent years, this option has become increasingly popular. Although this procedure is the most expensive among all assisted reproductive technologies. It never hurts to discuss this possibility if it is acceptable to you and your partner.

What are the risks of pregnancy after 40 years of age?

Many women have good reasons to delay pregnancy. After 40 years, it is safe to assume that you already have a more stable financial situation, a stable relationship with your partner, have become more tolerant and are at an age when you can really cope with maternal responsibilities.

But pregnancy at this age has additional pathological risks, and women need an honest assessment of the chances of conceiving and having a healthy child. These include the development of diseases such as pregnancy diabetes, hypertension, as well as placental abruption, low birth weight of the child, and the need for cesarean section. In addition, women may encounter genetic abnormalities in the child, including Down syndrome. If the mother's body feels that this pregnancy is “wrong”, there is a possibility of miscarriage. Indeed, in women over 40 years of age there is a 50% chance, which is due to health conditions.

1. Genetic abnormalities

The eggs of women over the age of 35 are less likely to divide, which can cause genetic abnormalities. Women who become pregnant at 40 are at risk of having a child with a genetic disorder. The most common genetic disorder is Down syndrome. The older the woman, the higher the risk of having such a child. At age 40, your chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome is one in 100; at age 45, your chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome is one in 30.

2. Miscarriage

Women who become pregnant at age 40 or later have an increased risk of miscarriage. After forty, the risk of miscarriage is significantly higher than when a woman gives birth between 20 and 30. The reason is the development of chromosomal abnormalities.

The data is based on a study in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility.

3. Complications during pregnancy

Many women after 40 years old suffer from diseases such as. Health problems can become even more serious during pregnancy and can lead to complications. In addition, the risk of placental bleeding in pregnant women over 40 years of age is much higher than in younger women.

4. Preeclampsia

Women who become pregnant after age 40 are at high risk of developing preeclampsia. This is an increase in blood pressure to a level that poses a threat to the life of the mother and child. This condition can lead to pathology of the nervous system, stroke and paralysis. Hypertension and diabetes before pregnancy are one of the causes of this pathology.

5. Problems of bearing a child

Women having their first child after forty may face other challenges. These problems include stillbirth or longer labor than in younger women.

Childbirth at this age requires more physical effort from a woman. Sometimes a vacuum pump is used to help a woman in labor. In most cases, a caesarean section is recommended.

Women over 40 usually give birth prematurely. Newborns tend to be low weight.

How to reduce the risk of complications?

To reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, women over forty should take very good care of their health.

Healthy diet. You should eat well, eat enough vegetables and fruits. To give birth to a healthy baby and maintain your own health, you need to include everything in your diet.

Health care. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, regular visits to your doctor are a must. Consult your doctor about acceptable weight gain during pregnancy, as proper weight reduces the risk. You should also learn more about other possible complications of pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, etc.