What Is The Link Between Menopause And Pregnancy?
•Getting pregnant during perimenopause and postmenopause
A woman who is hoping to conceive during perimenopause should consult her doctor, who can advise on the steps to take.
While her fertility is likely to be reduced, a woman can still boost the chances of getting pregnant. Examples of what she can do include:
Ovulation
Knowing the signs and symptoms of ovulation such as breast tenderness and white vaginal discharge can help women understand when they are ovulating and the best time to try and conceive.
Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise: A well-balanced, nutritious diet and plenty of exercise will also keep a prospective mother fit and healthy, which will help to increase the chances of conception.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
A woman who undergoes IVF treatment either during perimenopause or after menopause may be able to conceive.
Any remaining eggs postmenopause will no longer be viable. However, if a woman chooses to freeze her eggs earlier, these can be used, or fresh or frozen donor eggs may be another option.
Other treatments
Even at menopause, there may be further options available in the future to help a woman who might want to conceive a child.
Risks
Pregnant women over the age of 35 years old have greater chances of miscarriage or stillbirth, and an ectopic pregnancy where an egg implants outside the womb.
Others are high blood pressure leading to preeclampsia that can cause brain injury, impaired kidney and liver function, blood clots, fluid on the lungs, seizures, or maternal and infant death.
The rest are placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the womb, leading to fetal growth problems, premature birth, or stillbirth; placenta previa, where the placenta lies unusually low in the womb and can create problems during delivery.
The remaining risks are low birth weight of the baby, premature birth, cesarean delivery, and multiple pregnancies, particularly if a woman has undergone IVF treatment.
Women going through perimenopause are likely to be more than 35 years old. Therefore, the risks outlined above could mean a pregnancy is more difficult.
Delivery can also become complicated, and the likelihood of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or stillbirth increases.
Chromosomal abnormalities
Chromosomal abnormalities also appear more frequently in children born to older mothers.
The risk of Down syndrome increases from about 1 in 1,500 at age 25 years old, to 1 in 100 at 40 years of age, and to 1 in 50 by the time the mother is 45 years old.
Women going through perimenopause are encouraged to undergo genetic testing before trying to conceive to ensure they understand the risks of chromosomal abnormalities. Many women who are at the menopausal stage and want to become pregnant use donor eggs to maximise their chances of delivering a healthy baby.
IVF also increases risk factors, particularly for postmenopausal women who are more likely to have problems and complications during pregnancy and birth after undergoing IVF treatment.
Conclusion
During perimenopause and postmenopause, it is still possible for women to get pregnant. During perimenopause, ovulation can occur, meaning a woman can conceive naturally. Postmenopause, if a woman wishes to get pregnant, then a combination of hormone therapy and IVF treatment is the only option.
In both scenarios, the risks of complications throughout a pregnancy are increased, and seeking advice from a doctor is advisable before trying to conceive.