Hi, pals! This post is a bit of a departure from my usual writing, but because I have friends who have experienced or who are currently struggling with infertility issues, I agreed to share this important information. Hugs to anyone who recognizes themselves in these words.
Forty is the new 30!
We hear this so often – and in many cases, it’s true. Yet, when it comes to pregnancy, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
By the time you hit 40, you have a 5% chance of getting pregnant each month. When you were 30, your chances were four times higher at 20%.
Sadly, there are many misconceptions and myths surrounding pregnancy in your 40s.
If I’ve already had a baby, conceiving another will be easy, right?
Wrong.
I can only have a baby if I use my own eggs, right?
Wrong again.
There’s so much uncertainty surrounding pregnancy when you’re 40+. We’ll take a deeper look at pregnancy in your 40s before exploring one of the best options for 40-something women struggling to conceive – donor egg.
The Challenges of Getting Pregnant in Your 40s
As we’ve already seen, your diminishing fertility is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face when trying to get pregnant in your 40s. While some women can conceive naturally, the likelihood reduces the older you are.
Miscarriages become more of a concern in your 40s, and this risk does increase with age. Thyroid disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes are all potential complications for your pregnancy.
Other risks include preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, premature labor, gestational diabetes, and an increased likelihood of cesarean birth.
This all sounds pretty scary, doesn’t it?
That’s why it’s so important to talk to your healthcare practitioner before you try to get pregnant naturally. They’ll be able to help spot any potential complications and will be able to check how healthy your eggs are.
If you do receive a negative diagnosis – don’t lose faith. As we mentioned, you still have hope in egg donation.
Why Is Donor Egg Such a Viable Option?
Egg donation is particularly beneficial to women in their 40s because it eliminates the risks associated with using their own eggs. Unfortunately, traditional IVF past 40 can’t provide this peace of mind.
Using donor eggs immediately increases the chance of a successful pregnancy, and ensures you can enjoy the pregnancy experience just like any other.
Egg donation gives you the chance to give birth to your own child, which is an experience not offered by surrogacy and adoption.
What Concerns May I Have When Using Donor Egg?
While donor egg gives you this wonderful opportunity to carry your own child, there may be some concerns about using someone else’s eggs to conceive your child. This means having to let go of your genetic link with your baby.
At first, this can be an overwhelming concept. Will you bond with your baby? Can you give birth to a child knowing they’re not genetically connected to you?
All of these thoughts and fears are completely natural. However, as you talk through your emotions and speak to professionals (perhaps even other couples who’ve been through the process) you’ll start to realize genetics aren’t all that matter here.
Ultimately, you’ll carry your child and give birth to him or her – no one can take away this fact or the bond you create with your baby.
What Does the Egg Donation Process Entail?
To begin, you’ll need to select a donor, either choosing someone you know or using a donor egg program. The latter option is often preferred due to the anonymity it provides.
Once you find a donor, you’ll take a course of hormones to prepare your uterus for implantation. Two to three days after the donor’s eggs are fertilized with your partner’s or sperm donor’s sperm, they’re implanted into your uterus.
After two weeks, you’ll return to the clinic for a pregnancy test to confirm you’re pregnant!
40 Is the New 30
Thanks to infertility treatment like donor egg, 40 really could be your new 30. Not only are you given the chance to enjoy a normal pregnancy and birth, but you’re also able to forge an unbreakable connection with your baby through pregnancy and childbirth.
Remember – genetics alone can’t achieve this. It’s your devoted love, care, and nurturing that establish this unique tie. And because of the roller coaster journey you’ve been on, this makes it even stronger.
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