There’s no magic number for the perfect time to have a baby. But if you’re thinking about having a baby in your 40s, you’ve probably heard about the increased risks. While it’s true that the chances of complications go up, that doesn’t mean having a baby in your late 30s or 40s is rare — or impossible! In fact, more and more people are having babies later in life. Since 1985, birth rates for those in their 40s have been climbing, and in 2021, women aged 40 to 44 had 12.6 births per 1,000. Today, women in their 40s are having babies at record rates, reports the CDC. Births among women 40 – 44 are up 127 percent since 1990.
While pregnancy is generally easier in your 20s and 30s, plenty of women in their 40s have smooth, healthy pregnancies — especially with good prenatal care and a healthy lifestyle. So if you’re thinking about having a baby at 40 or beyond, keep reading to learn what to expect on this exciting journey!
Fertility in Your 40s
One of the biggest hurdles to getting pregnant in your 40s is fertility — it’s just a fact of life. While some people have no trouble conceiving well into their 40s, the reality is that the older you are, the more likely you’ll need a little extra help from fertility treatments.
And fertility treatments aren’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it’s as simple as taking medication and timing things right, while for others, it might involve IVF or using donor eggs.
If you’re over 35 and have been trying for six months with no luck (and no birth control), it’s time to check in with a fertility specialist. The truth is, your chances of getting pregnant are higher when you’re younger, but that doesn’t mean the door is closed — it just might take a little extra effort.
Michelle Y. Owens, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, says, “Even with all the understandable talk of ‘windows of opportunity’ and ‘biological clocks,’ there are ways for women over 35 to make motherhood a reality.”
Pregnancy Risks in Your 40s: What to Know
Every pregnancy comes with a few risks, but as you get older, some of those risks increase. “The good news is,” says Owens, “We have the tools to detect and respond to pregnancy complications early. Age is less of a limitation than it used to be,” she adds.
While chances of miscarriage do go up with age, and pregnancies over 35 (often called “advanced maternal age”) can have a higher chance of:
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Preeclampsia (high blood pressure complications)
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Multiples (twins, triplets, and more — surprise!)
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Chromosomal abnormalities
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Congenital anomalies (birth defects)
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Stillbirth
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Gestational diabetes
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Long, difficult labor
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C-section delivery
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Preterm birth
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NICU admission
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Low birth weight
One reason for these increased risks? By your 40s, you’re more likely to have a chronic condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disease — things that can make pregnancy a little trickier.
But here’s the good news: preconception care can help! Meeting with a healthcare provider before getting pregnant can help you manage any existing conditions, review your medications, and make any necessary changes before you start trying to conceive. A little preparation can go a long way in making your pregnancy as smooth as possible.
Labor and Birth in Yours 40s: What to Expect
Labor in your 40s can be a bit more unpredictable, with a higher chance of complications and medical interventions. If you’ve had a preterm birth before, there’s about a 31% chance it could happen again with your next baby.
So, what makes things trickier? Health plays a big role. If you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure or diabetes, your risk of complications goes up. But even without those, labor can still be a little more complex as you get older.
Because of these risks, induced labor and C-sections are more common in people giving birth in their 40s. That’s why it’s super important to chat with your healthcare provider during prenatal visits — so you know what to expect and can plan for the safest, smoothest delivery possible!
Baby’s Health
One of the biggest worries during pregnancy? Making sure your baby is healthy! While it’s true that babies born to parents over 40 have a slightly higher chance of complications, here’s the good news: with great prenatal care and today’s medical advancements, most babies are born perfectly healthy!
So, while there are a few extra things to keep an eye on, if you’re having a baby in your 40s, you can breathe a little easier knowing that with the right care, your little one has a great chance of arriving safe and sound.
