The most fertile period for most women is between the ages of 16 and 30, and from 35-37 there is a significant decrease in ovarian reserve.
The fertility of women decreases with increasing age, especially after 35 years. The most fertile period for most women is between 16 and 30 years old, from 35-to 37 years old there is a significant decrease in ovarian reserve (number of eggs that a woman has at a given time) and more beyond the age of 40, the ovarian reserve begins to be very compromised.
In this sense, “the chances of achieving a spontaneous pregnancy (without assisted reproduction techniques) at 40 years of age are only 5-8% in each cycle,” explains Dr. Esther Ballesteros Benito, assistant doctor of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital.
RISKS OF GETTING PREGNANT AFTER THE AGE OF 40
According to Dr. Ballesteros Benito, increasing maternal age increases the chances of suffering an abortion, since it increases the risk of genetic malformations (chromosomal abnormalities) since oocyte quality decreases.
It can also increase the risk of certain pregnancy diseases such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia (a disease that causes high blood pressure), as well as the risk of prematurity and complications during childbirth, increasing the risk of cesarean delivery.
As maternal age increases, the chances of suffering an abortion increase, since the risk of genetic malformations increases.
“All of this will be influenced by various factors, not only age but also the health and physical characteristics of the future mother (weight, maternal illnesses, lifestyle…)”, explains Esther Ballesteros Benito.
ARE THERE ADVANTAGES?
”From a medical point of view, gestation over 40 years of age does not provide any advantage over gestation at a younger age. However, we are experiencing a change in society, since women joined the workplace, motherhood has been delayed. Achieving job, personal and economic stability is not easy today and, in many cases, it is decided to wait until it is achieved and then embark on motherhood”, emphasizes the assistant doctor.
Motherhood at the age of 40 is usually a thoughtful and highly desired decision and in many cases, the circumstances surrounding it may be more favorable (personally, at work, and financially). Regarding childbirth from that age, it cannot be generalized and an individualized assessment must always be made, but in general terms, childbirth from 40 years of age can differ from childbirth in younger women.
”Postpartum recovery will depend on many factors: eutocic (vaginal) delivery, instrumental delivery (vacuum, forceps, spatulas, or cesarean section), the start of labor (spontaneous or induced), delivery time, possible anemia (lack of iron), the existence of episiotomy or perineal tears, the support and help available to each mother, the physical and mental state from which the future mother started,” concludes the expert.
