Motherhood is a right for everyone, regardless of economic status, nationality, race, or age. Deciding to have a child is one of life’s most beautiful experiences, and each person chooses the moment they feel is ideal.
It’s true that as the years go by the chances of pregnancy decrease, but they don’t disappear. Many women achieve their dream at stages they thought were impossible.
Assisted Reproduction Technology has transformed the lives of those who want to become mothers. A clear example is Carolina, who in her forties welcomed her daughter Cielo.
How did I become a mom after 40 thanks to assisted reproduction?
“On May 10, 2018, I discovered I was pregnant. The doctor confirmed it and my husband sent me a photo with baby socks: we were going to be parents!”
– Carolina
“I cried with emotion: it was the most beautiful news of my life. Now my goal is to enjoy every moment with her, while life allows us.”
– Carolina
Challenges during my pregnancy at 40
My pregnancy was smooth, although I developed gestational diabetes, which I managed with a balanced diet and gentle exercise. My husband supported me in everything, sweetening my cravings with fresh fruit and low-carb desserts.
My journey to conception with In Vitro fertilization
After five years of trying and three unsuccessful intrauterine inseminations, we started our first in vitro fertilization cycle. It didn’t work, but the medical team encouraged us to continue.
In the next cycle, my husband and I took hormonal medication: 150 IU daily of subcutaneous FSH and 0.25 mg of a GnRH antagonist, according to a personalized ovarian stimulation protocol.
The most exciting moment
When they brought out Cielo and I saw her for the first time, I cried with joy. She weighed 3.2 kg and measured 51 cm, with beautiful hair. My husband and our doctors were by my side: my heart exploded with love.
Inspiration to become a mother after 40
Cielo is my greatest gift. Thanks to her, I learned to value every moment and always show her the light of life. Every kiss from her fills me with energy and hope.
Options to get pregnant at 40
With age, ovarian reserve and egg quality decrease, and risks like miscarriage or complications such as diabetes or hypertension increase. But the good news is that assisted reproduction offers:
- Egg or sperm donation
- Gamet cryopreservation
- Personalized stimulation protocols
At Ingenes Institute we have been changing lives for 17 years with our IVF lab, egg bank, sperm bank, and a team of committed specialists.
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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to get pregnant after 40?
There is a higher risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, or miscarriage. With medical follow-up, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise, many women have healthy pregnancies. Never self-medicate: always consult a specialist.
Assisted reproduction evaluates your ovarian reserve with AMH tests and antral follicle count (AFC) to design a stimulation plan that maximizes your chances.
2. What assisted reproduction treatments are recommended for women over 40?
The most effective are in vitro fertilization (IVF) with or without ICSI and, when ovarian reserve is low, egg donation. A specialist in assisted reproduction will guide you to the best option.
Egg donation has over a 50% pregnancy rate per cycle with young eggs. Plus, vitrification allows you to preserve your fertility for the future.
3. How do diet and lifestyle influence fertility at 40?
A diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, oily fish) and low in ultra-processed foods improves egg quality. Maintaining a healthy BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m²), avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and reducing stress with yoga or meditation boosts your fertility.
Supplements like folic acid (400 µg/day), vitamin D (1,000–2,000 IU/day), and Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg/day) support mitochondrial function in eggs and reduce oxidative stress.
4. What should I know before choosing an egg or sperm bank?
Check the laboratory’s certification, sample quality (morphology, motility), and donors’ genetic testing. A good bank offers genetic and psychological counseling for an ethical, transparent process.
Ask about post-thaw survival rates, infectious and genetic screenings performed, and the total cost. Always look for international standards.
Sources Consulted
- Office on Women’s Health. (2022). Fertility and Age. https://www.womenshealth.gov
- Practice Committee ASRM. (2015). Testing and interpreting measures of ovarian reserve. Fertility and Sterility, 103(3), e9–e17.
- MedlinePlus. (2023). Gestational Diabetes. https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/diabetesgestacional.html
- ACOG. (2021). Advanced maternal age. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 138(3), e7–e9.
You’re taking an important step toward your dream. Rely on a specialist in assisted fertilization: you and your future baby deserve the best care!