Inés decided to become a mother after having achieved other dreams in her life, but when she shared it she received negative comments about the risks of having a baby at 40. She tells us about her fears, the prejudices she faced, and how she now enjoys her two little ones, Ilse and Ana Paula, thanks to an Assisted Reproduction treatment.
What are the risks of having a baby at 40 and how can you reduce them?
“Do you really want to have a baby at 46? What if it doesn’t work? Aren’t you worried about your health?” These questions often stem from myths. Yes, your fertility decreases after 35, but there are concrete actions to protect your reproductive health:
- Check your hormones and get an ovarian reserve ultrasound (AMH and AFC).
- Maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m² to optimize your overall health.
- Take folic acid (0.4–0.8 mg/day) and vitamin D (600–800 IU/day) as prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid self-medication and always follow a specialist’s advice.
- If you’re considering treatments to increase your chances, talk to an Assisted Reproduction expert first.
How do assisted reproduction treatments work after 40?
My husband Gabriel and I decided to wait for years, but when I really wanted to become a mother, we consulted a specialist. My age (over 35) reduced my oocytes, so we chose a multi-cycle program with 3 rounds of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Each cycle includes:
- Ovarian stimulation.
- Egg retrieval.
- In vitro fertilization.
- Embryo transfer.
After a failed IVF attempt: what can you expect?
My first IVF attempt didn’t work. It was tough: you feel sadness and doubt, but getting up every day and continuing to fight is key. Lean on your partner, talk to your medical team, and consider psychological support.
Is it possible to achieve a successful pregnancy after multiple IVF cycles at 40?
On the second IVF cycle we got a positive result. Stories like “I was 44 and thought it was impossible” or “I became a mother at 40” show that age doesn’t define your destiny. With a tailored protocol, constant monitoring, and emotional care, success can come.
Twin pregnancy and delivery after IVF
My pregnancy went smoothly and, although always with nerves, we reached 38 weeks. In the middle of the pandemic, at 08:15 hrs our twins were born, each under 3 kg and perfect. Hearing their cry was the best reward.
What to do if you are over 40 and want to become a mother?
If you’re over 35 and haven’t conceived, find a Human Reproduction Biology specialist. At Ingenes we have the Initial Program, where we identify the causes and design a personalized plan with endocrinologists, reproductive biologists, andrologists, and psychotherapists.
Tell us your story here and let us accompany you on your journey to motherhood.
Frequently asked questions about pregnancy at 40
1. At what age does fertility decline and why?
It starts to decline gradually after 35 because the quantity and quality of oocytes decrease. By 40, your ovarian reserve can be up to 90% lower than at 30. This happens due to follicular atresia and accumulated DNA damage in the eggs. A specialist evaluates your reserve with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC).
2. What treatments are available for women over 40?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the most common: ovarian stimulation, retrieval, embryo culture at 37 °C, and transfer of one or two embryos. If your reserve is very low, egg donation or prior vitrification (before 35) are options.
3. How to cope emotionally with a failed IVF cycle?
A failed cycle can cause sadness, anxiety, or guilt. Acknowledge your emotions, talk to your partner, and seek psychological support. Support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy will help you manage stress and prepare for the next attempt.
4. What care is required for a twin pregnancy after IVF?
You need more frequent check-ups: ultrasounds every 2–4 weeks, alpha-fetoprotein tests, and monitoring of weight and blood pressure. Recommended weight gain is 16–20 kg. Signs of preeclampsia and growth restriction are also monitored. Nutrition, gentle exercise, and relative rest are key.
Sources Consulted
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2021). Advanced Maternal Age. Recovered from https://www.asrm.org
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2020). Ovarian Reserve Testing. Fertility and Sterility, 114(2), 115–123. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.05.018
- NIH. (2022). Maternal age and birth outcomes. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. (2019). Female fertility and age. Human Reproduction, 34(6), 1018–1025. doi:10.1093/humrep/dez076
If you are considering becoming a mother after 40, you are not alone. Reach out to an Assisted Reproduction specialist for personalized guidance and all the support you need.