Pregnancy after 40: What celebrity moms don’t tell you about fertility, IVF and pregnancy risks

Lady Gaga, 40, has recently become a mother, as has Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, 41, who announced her second pregnancy. Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway, 43, is expecting her third child. While these celebrity pregnancies may seem aspirational, they also highlight the challenges faced by women over 40. Dr Neelam Suri, an Obstetrics & Gynaecology specialist, explains that fertility naturally declines with age, and the quality of eggs decreases significantly in the late 30s and 40s, increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

While some women may conceive naturally in their 40s, others might need fertility treatment, like IVF. IVF can't reverse the aging process, but it can help overcome certain fertility issues. However, the success of IVF using a woman's own eggs depends on the quality of her eggs. Prenatal monitoring becomes crucial as maternal age increases, with a focus on monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and fetal development.

Women over 40 should consider preconception consultations to understand their fertility and overall health better. For those with very low ovarian reserve or declining egg quality, donor eggs could be an option, but this requires careful counselling. Ultimately, the decision to conceive in one's 40s should be based on individual circumstances and honest discussions about all available options.