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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