It is a fact that being pregnant at 40 can be quite risky, but there has been some studies indicating that being fit at this age can lessen the risk. Middle age pregnancy seems to be happening more often these days as more and more women decide to put marriage aside in favour of their high-powered careers. Women planning to start a family for the first time at this age should be aware of the pregnancy risks over 40.

Research suggests that a healthy woman over 40 will fare better than a woman who has weight issues. But at whatever weight, a 40-year-old woman needs to take extra precaution if they plan on getting pregnant. For starters it is more difficult to conceive after a woman reaches the age of 40 when compared to women in their 20s or 30s. Biologically, women enter the phase of perimenopause at the age of 40. This is the time when they start experiencing signs of menopause and is usually characterised by irregular menstruation.

Being pregnant at age 40 exposes women to the risk of diabetes and hypertension. There are also higher chances of low birth weight and childbirth complications like preeclampsia, caesarean childbirth, and pre-mature birth. While womens fertility stays with her until she enters menopause, the quality of her egg cells deteriorate with age. This is why women at this age would sometimes turn to egg donation, in vitro fertilisation and other avenues of reproductive technology.

It is important for women planning to conceive at 40 or later to be well educated on the things to expect in the duration of the pregnancy. They should also make sure that they are physically fit and that they are in close contact with their obstetrician or gynaecologist. There are a lot of things these women can do on their own to improve their chances of conceiving. The first thing they should take care of is their health through a high-calcium and low-fat diet and a regular exercise program. They should also educate themselves on what to do and what to avoid, as well as what to expect during their pregnancy.