To most of the couples this is an unlikely major concern, but for some couples it is a heart breaking question. First of all when is it considered late to get pregnant? Well it is different for each individual, for some late 30s is late but for some late 40s. There are of course other factors to consider such as the health status of the mother, culture and beliefs, economic status, marital status, and careers of the couples among other factors. Depending on any one or combinations of these factors, every couple has different understanding of late pregnancy.
Late pregnancy may be planned or accidental and depending on the situation it may be considered as a blessing or a burden. For couples who have had infertility problems and have not been lucky to have children at an early age, late pregnancy is always a good surprise. However for some couples who had decided to stop producing children, it may be considered an unpleasant surprise.
Usually women who get pregnant after 40 are considered late pregnancy. Science tells us that the most productive age for women to bear children is early 20s to late 30s. But, we all know that there are several mothers who conceive and give birth to healthy babies before they are 20 years and some after 40 years. Most doctors advise that you stop trying to conceive a baby once you have passed the age of 40, but they say so for health reasons. Generally speaking majority of the children conceived during late pregnancy tend to do as well as children conceived at early ages. But, just like mothers, each case is different.
The mother’s and the baby’s health are crucial during and after pregnancy. With younger mothers, their bodies will accommodate the changes associated pregnancy more smoothly than for older mothers. One of the primary reasons for this difference has to do with the hormonal changes that take place as women grow older. Most women enter menopause in their early to late 40s and during this period most of the body functions associated with reproductive system slows down enormously. It is however important to understand that menopause varies from individual to individual. Late pregnancy will therefore interfere with the early stages of menopause in some women.
In addition to health concerns most people agree that it is easier to take care of children when the couples are younger and more active than when they have grown older and gotten busy with other responsibilities in life. But for couples who are or have been dealing with infertility problems, getting pregnant with a baby at a later age is always welcomed. Infertility is always heartache to couples in every society and culture regardless of where one comes from. In some cases it may take several years to find a remedy for infertility, but most infertility cases can be reversed with the right treatment.
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