Being a mother at 40 years old

In Spain, motherhood has been considerably postponed in the last ten years, with the age of women at childbirth increasing by 63.1%. In 2018, more women over 40 gave birth than those aged 27.

This delay in motherhood is not always due to personal decisions, but most of the time it occurs because of each woman's or couple's personal situation. Precarious jobs and salaries, high rental and purchase prices, or lack of personal stability are some of the reasons.

Although advances in science make it possible for pregnancies in women over 45 to be carried to term, age is one of the factors to consider when deciding to become a mother. So, if you are in that situation, you should know that there are positive aspects of being a mother after 40, but also some disadvantages.

Disadvantages

• The older the father and mother, the lower the quality of the embryos

• Eggs from women over 40 have more chromosomal alterations and decreased ovarian reserve

• In older men, the volume of ejaculate and sperm motility are lower, and they also have a higher proportion of chromosomal alterations, according to Dr. Ana Gaitero from the Sanitas Alcobendas Assisted Reproduction Center.

• In this scenario, many couples must undergo assisted reproduction techniques

• The older the woman, the higher the risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, or premature delivery due to the strain on the body.

• The risk of miscarriage is higher, but once past week 12, similar to any pregnancy, the risk decreases.

One of the most discussed factors when a woman over 40 is pregnant is the generational gap with the baby, although several specialists agree that, if the age is not too advanced, this age gap can be overcome.

Dr. Regina Cárdenas, a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Madrid campus of the University of Navarra Clinic, states that "pregnancy at 40 is experienced with greater maturity and intensity. Future mothers are usually more informed. There is often greater economic and job stability that allows for better work-life balance."