Thursday 17 January 2019

CAN MENOPAUSAL WOMEN HAVE BABIES?

Menopause is a crucial time in the lives of every woman, and understanding whether it is possible to get pregnant, during or after the menopause, will influence decisions on birth control and when to plan for a family.

The number of women having babies in their 30s and 40s is increasing. With many women waiting until later in life to have children, it has become more critical to understand what factors might affect fertility and the chances of conception.

It is extremely important for women to be aware of the changes their bodies go through in the lead-up to and during the menopause.

The assumption that they will no longer be able to get pregnant during this time can be misleading and could lead to unplanned and unwanted pregnancies.

Facts on menopause and pregnancy:
Every woman is born with a finite number of eggs. Once a woman has gone 1 year without a period she has reached the menopause. The risks of complications in pregnancy and delivery increase with a woman’s age. Pregnancy is still possible until the postmenopausal stage.

Can A Woman Get Pregnant During or After Menopause?
Until women have reached what is known as the postmenopausal stage, it is still possible to get pregnant. Many women assume they have entered the menopause when they first have symptoms. However, there are two distinct stages of the process, namely perimenopause and postmenopause.

Perimenopause, which is also referred to as menopause transition, is the time before menopause where the body begins to make changes in preparation for the menopause. Postmenopause has occurred when a woman has not had a period for 12 months.

How Pregnancy Occurs During Perimenopause
As time goes by, the number of eggs a woman has reduces and the ones that are left continue to age. Older eggs have an increased likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities. This means that, as a woman gets older, her chances of getting pregnant also decrease.

In spite of irregular periods, ovulation in perimenopausal women can occur. If a viable egg is released and fertilized, conception can take place. It is not until ovulation stops permanently that a woman can no longer become pregnant naturally.

Looking out for signs of ovulation, such as breast tenderness, white vaginal discharge, or by using ovulation test strips can help a woman predict when she is ovulating. Then, she can either act to prevent it or to increase the likelihood of pregnancy occurring, depending on what she wants.

There are many reasons a woman may wish to get pregnant during perimenopause. Some common situations include having had difficulty conceiving before, lifestyle factors such as her career or finances, or not having felt confident or ready to take care of a child earlier.

Postmenopause
The time that women reach menopause can vary widely, though this usually takes place somewhere between 40 and 55 years old. Once menopause occurs, a woman’s hormonal balance changes permanently. At this stage, ovulation will no longer take place, and a woman is unable to conceive naturally.

Increasing the likelihood of getting pregnant during perimenopause and postmenopause
A woman who is hoping to conceive during perimenopause should consult her doctor who can advise on the steps to take.

While her fertility is likely to be reduced, a woman can still boost the chances of getting pregnant. Examples of what she can do include:

Paying attention to ovulation:
Knowing the signs and symptoms of ovulation, such as breast tenderness and white vaginal discharge can help women understand when they are ovulating and the best time to try and conceive.

Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise:
A well-balanced, nutritious diet and plenty of exercise will also keep a prospective mother fit and healthy, which will help to increase the chances of conception.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
A woman who undergoes IVF treatment either during perimenopause or after menopause may be able to conceive.

Any remaining eggs postmenopause will no longer be viable. However, if a woman chose to freeze her eggs earlier, these can be used, or fresh or frozen donor eggs may be another option.

What other treatments are available?
Even at menopause, there may be further options available in the future to help a woman who might want to conceive a child.

Menopause Reversal
There has been some research on reversing the menopause. It is not yet offered as a treatment for women who want to conceive, but preliminary results have shown some success. There is some evidence that it is possible to ‘rejuvenate’ previously dormant ovaries, stimulating the release of an egg for fertilization. Research and evidence in this area are currently still limited, although clinical trials have begun.

What are the risks?
Pregnant women over the age of 35 years old have greater chances of:
-miscarriage or stillbirth
-an ectopic pregnancy where an egg implants outside the womb
- abruption where the placenta detaches from the womb, leading to fetal growth problems, premature birth or stillbirth
-placenta previa where the placenta lies unusually low in the womb and can create problems during delivery
-low birth weight of the baby
-premature birth
-cesarean delivery etc.

Chromosomal Abnormalities
Chromosomal abnormalities also appear more frequently in children born to older mothers. Women going through perimenopause are encouraged to undergo genetic testing before trying to conceive to ensure they understand the risks of chromosomal abnormalities. Many women who are at this menopausal stage and want to become pregnant use donor eggs to maximize their chances of delivering healthy babies.

IVF also increases risks factors, particularly for postmenopausal women who are more likely to have problems and complications during pregnancy and birth after undergoing IVF treatment.

Dr. Michael Ogunkoya (+2348033069466) is the best fertility specialist in Nigeria. He was trained in the best medical schools in USA, London, Canada, Wales and Hungary. Dr. Ogunkoya is the man that has the divine mandate to stamp-out infertility among Nigerian couples. Just contact him and your infertility challenges will be things of the past. With God, all things are possible. Dr. Ogunkoya is the medical director of The Hope Valley Fertility Clinic.

The Hope Valley Fertility Clinic
Plot 31, Block 113, Oladimeji Alo Street, Opposite Visa Office, By Ikate Roundabout, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos-Epe Express Way, Lagos.
            +2348033069466          

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