Are you dreaming of motherhood but worried about the ticking clock? You’re not alone. Perhaps you’ve decided to wait to have children and build your family. Whether it was due to your career, relationship, chapter in life, or you weren’t ready to become a mother, the road to motherhood isn’t always straightforward, and that’s okay. For hopeful women over the age of 40, the journey to conceiving can be intimidating to navigate or whether you and your partner have been trying for several weeks, months, or years, or tried several other treatments, perhaps you’ve begun diving into the ins and outs of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and it feels like a whole different world.
Many women are starting their families in their 40s and later in life. As women age, their fertility naturally changes, but knowing these changes helps you make informed choices. After 40, egg quality and ovarian reserve decline and the decline gets faster each year. This affects your ability to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy. Every woman is born with all the eggs they’ll ever have and with advancing age, the number and quality of eggs decrease. In your 40s, the number of eggs is low and quality is diminished, this means there are fewer chances for successful fertilization. Even then, problems such as chromosomal abnormalities become more common.
Conception rates decrease for women over 40 and it also takes longer to get pregnant. While miscarriage risk and chromosomal problems increase, these facts can be scary, but understanding them is important. Conception rates drop to below 5 percent per cycle, this contrasts with rates for women in their 20s and risks of miscarriage go up to 50 percent after 40.
The role of male fertility also matters because age impacts sperm quality and quantity in men. These changes may affect conception too, because parameters such as sperm count, movement, and shape can decline with age. All these factors play a vital role in a successful pregnancy. You can take steps to boost your fertility naturally with lifestyle changes and a focus on health which can all make a difference. These changes can improve your overall well-being, as well.
Stress negatively impacts fertility, so beware and find ways to manage stress. You can reduce stress through yoga, meditation, or mindfulness. Your mind and body are connected. Stress hormones can mess with ovulation and implantation. Even a few minutes of daily meditation can help. Find an activity that you enjoy.
Navigating the journey towards pregnancy, meets with many low points, but you need to continue to navigate your journey to motherhood. So, if you’ve been considering the IVF route, or you’re about to begin the process, know that you can do it because you’re not alone.
Fertility experience may even feel like a second job on top of your career. From doctor appointments to lab tests, injection times, ultrasounds—all while trying to make sure other elements of your life like nutrition and exercise are in tip-top shape— a lot to take on. Your mindset is one of the most powerful tools as a human being and it’s crucial to have a strong mindset when it comes to the ups and downs of IVF or even the uncertainty of starting the process.
What’s important to remember is that it’s all about finding what works best for you. If sitting in stillness for two or three minutes a day feels approachable, start there. On the other hand, if it’s putting pen to paper and writing out your thoughts and feelings, why not give it a try? You may find that these small changes can significantly impact your life and experience through IVF and in the relationship with your spouse.
Navigating IVF over 40 and your fertility journey as a whole can feel like a rat race. You’re faced with all these obstacles that feel like a ticking clock as your window for pregnancy feels as if it’s only getting smaller. But the key to all of this is to remember: it’s a journey, and it’s not a rush to the finish line. There will be highs and lows, and the more you’re able to ride alongside them versus against them, you will experience success.
One of the biggest lessons is to stop trying to control the process and rush to the end. Instead, learn to let go. The types of food, vitamins, and minerals you feed your body can substantially impact your fertility success. Even with a well-maintained diet, you might find that incorporating a few essential vitamins and supplements may improve your fertility. .
While your fertility journey may feel isolating, know that you’re not alone. Build more communities and show women going through this that there are other women out there experiencing the same thing. When it comes to seeking doctors and assembling your fertility team, ask all the questions! You have a right to know what kind of approach they take, what their experience entails, and if you truly feel comfortable around them.
The fertility journey may feel like a rollercoaster of twists, turns, and wild ups and downs. It’s essential to surround yourself with experts, individuals, and a community who are not only going to lift you when you feel down but who know what you’re going through, too.
Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising is important. Moderate exercise is beneficial. Avoid over-exercising, which can negatively affect ovulation.
Motherhood after 40 is possible, and by understanding fertility, optimizing health, exploring ART, and seeking support, you can have hope and power as you chase your dreams. Remember that your dream of motherhood is valid, no matter your age.
