To most couples this is unlikelyto be a major concern, but for some couples it is a heart breaking question. First of all when is it considered late for a pregnancy? 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 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 looked at as a blessing or a burden. For couples who have had infertility problems and have not been lucky enough to produce children at an early age, late pregnancy is always a welcome surprise. However for other couples who have decided to close the book, it may be looked at as an unwelcome surprise.
Usually mothers who get pregnant after 40 are considered to have a late pregnancy. Science tells us that the most productive age for women to produce children is early 20s to late 30s. Nonetheless, we all know that there are several women who get pregnant and bear healthy babies before they are 20 years old and some after 40 years. Most doctors suggest that you stop trying to conceive a baby once you are over the age of 40, but they say so for health reasons. Generally speaking most 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 health of the mother and the baby are crucial during and after pregnancy. For younger mothers, their bodies will accommodate the changes associated pregnancy more smoothly than for older mothers. One of the main 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 beginning of menopause in some women.
Regardless of 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. Nonetheless for couples who are or have been dealing with infertility problems, conceiving a baby at a later age is always welcomed. The inability to conceive 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 treatment for infertility, but most infertility cases can be reversed with the right treatment.
