As women are getting more career-oriented, they are naturally choosing to delay pregnancy. But the question of whether it is safe to get pregnant after 40 still prevails.
The recent pregnancy announcement of Katrina Kaif at the age of 42 is definitely giving hope to women. However, you must know the risks and benefits associated with such late pregnancies. This will ultimately help you decide your ideal time for motherhood.
Why More Women Delay Motherhood Today?
The gradual shift in career priorities in women, as well as lifestyle choices, is naturally increasing the cases of late pregnancies. Especially in urban areas, women prefer to get financially stable before planning a new life to come.
However, the biological clock keeps on ticking. This often makes it difficult to conceive naturally for the first time after 35 years. The risks of gestational diabetes, genetic disorders, chromosomal anomalies, hypertension, etc., also increase. This often led to miscarriages and stillbirths in such late pregnancies. Therefore, for a safe pregnancy after 40, women require more care and medical assistance.
Possible Benefits of Late Pregnancies
However, apart from the risks, late pregnancies enable mothers to raise their child better with financial as well as emotional maturity. With proper family planning and complete acceptance of the child, couples choosing late pregnancies often provide better child upbringing.
Expert Advice on Healthy Late Pregnancy
Katrina Kaif’s choice to get pregnant at 42 can thus become inspirational, especially for women who want to focus on their career rather than maternity. However, experts recommend prioritising a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle, and a regular health checkup to judge and keep your body ready for conception after 40.
They also advise freezing eggs while they are healthy, as this increases the chance of a healthy pregnancy at your preferred time. Besides, there are other fertility treatments, IVF and surrogacy options that you may also choose to get a baby after 40.
