How old is too old to carry a pregnancy?
Many women ask our team, “How old is too old to carry a pregnancy?” This common question doesn’t have a simple answer. Many women in their 30s and 40s have healthy babies, and you’ve surely heard stories about women like Janet Jackson who give birth in their 50s. Dr. Robert Anderson, our Southern California fertility doctor, says the pregnancy risks do go up as you get older, but you can likely still deliver a healthy baby.
Get healthy to improve your odds
Although egg quality and quantity diminish over time, the uterus doesn’t age as quickly. As a result, you might not be too old to carry a baby. Many women in their 40s and 50s conceive and then successfully carry a pregnancy to term, with help from our Southern California fertility doctor.
However, before you conceive at any age, you need to think about your overall wellness. Before you start trying to welcome a baby, it’s important to be as healthy as possible.
- If you’re overweight or obese, improve your eating and exercise habits to get into a healthy weight range.
- Now is the time to quit if you smoke cigarettes.
- If you have underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, work with your doctor to get them under control.
By doing everything you can to be healthy, you’ll improve your chances of carrying a baby to term and reduce any pregnancy risks.
What are some pregnancy risks?
Pregnancy risks often make women wonder whether they’re too old to carry a pregnancy. If you’re 35 or over, you have a higher risk of developing certain conditions during pregnancy.
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia
- High blood pressure
- Premature birth
- Miscarriage
- The need for a C-section
Being in good health and receiving prenatal care from an experienced doctor can help you avoid these issues.
Our team has helped many women who thought they were too old to carry a pregnancy
You may have trouble conceiving over time. Thankfully, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and genetic testing of embryos with our Southern California fertility doctor can improve your likelihood of success.
If you’re wondering whether you’re too old to carry a pregnancy, you can discuss your fertility options with Dr. Anderson. Contact us for a consultation.