Can I Be 45 and Pregnant?

Yes, it is possible to be 45 and pregnant, though it's statistically less likely than at younger ages. While natural conception becomes increasingly difficult after 40, and significantly less probable after 45, pregnancy at 45 is still possible.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine states that by age 40, a woman's chance of conceiving naturally drops to less than 5 percent per cycle. After 45, natural pregnancy becomes unlikely for most women. This doesn't mean it's impossible; some women do conceive naturally after 45, although it's a rare occurrence. Studies show that spontaneous pregnancies after 45 years of age are rare, constituting only 0.2% of total deliveries. [^1]

• Decreased Ovarian Reserve: As women age, their ovarian reserve (the number of remaining eggs) diminishes, impacting fertility.
• Reduced Egg Quality: The quality of remaining eggs also declines with age, increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
• Increased Risk: Pregnancies at 45 and beyond carry a higher risk of complications for both mother and child, including premature birth, low birth weight, and chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

While natural conception becomes less likely, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can increase the chances of pregnancy at older ages. However, success rates with IVF also decrease with age.

Personal Experiences

Several accounts exist of women experiencing pregnancy at 45 and beyond. These often involve a degree of surprise and, in some cases, were unplanned. It's important to note that these are individual experiences, and do not reflect the overall statistical probability. [^2]

Key Considerations

If you are 45 and considering pregnancy, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial. They can assess your individual circumstances, risks, and options. This includes discussing the potential health risks associated with pregnancy at this age and exploring appropriate medical interventions.

[^1]: Successful spontaneous pregnancies in women older than 45 years: a retrospective cohort study. Human Reproduction.
[^2]: At 45, I grieved the idea of motherhood. Then, by pure fluke, I was pregnant. The Guardian.