Having a child in your 40s is far more common now than it was about 20 years ago. With the increase in technology and the fact that we are living longer, combined with optimum healthcare, the option to have a baby in your later years is likelier. And while there are some who have had their children in their 20s or 30s, what about those who put their career first, and are now coming round to the idea that they need to have a baby before it’s too late, and although it’s not impossible by any stretch of the imagination, but what’s the cost in a financial and emotional capacity?
https://www.pexels.com/photo/shoes-child-clothing-pregnancy-47220/
Conceiving a child is far more difficult the older you get, and especially so if your mother had the menopause early because the chances are you may too. Around 15-years before the menopause starts, the eggs start to go into decline, not just in quantity, but in quality too. This is due to structural problems in the eggs, such as chromosomal abnormalities. But there are treatments available for you, at a cost. The cost of treatments vary, and it will depend on your own fertility insurance. IVF insurance coverage may not cover certain aspects so you would need to consult your plan as some plans cover IVF and some don’t so be sure to read the fine print before embarking on something you are unable to pay for. The benefit of being financially secure in your 40s is that you can pay for these treatments with little hassle, but there’s only so many rounds of IVF or other treatments we can pay for.
And yes, when you are in your 40s, there is the benefit of being financially sound, so if you can conceive a child, you are able to provide them with a happy life, but some still struggle financially due to the ever-changing rules of employment. And so either if you fell into the career-focused state of mind in your 20s and 30s, it has set you up for a nice life that you can pass onto your child. But the cost of having a baby later in life means a higher risk of health issues during the pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and the baby being born with a low birth weight are just some of the problems you can face if you decide to get pregnant, and the older you get the risks increase.
The overall concerns of having a baby in your 40s is a mixed bag. While on the one hand, you can provide everything for your little one due to the career and life you’ve already set yourself up for, you are running the risks of potential health issues. But, of course, it’s not impossible. If you’re ready for this, and you’ve weighed up the risks, then it’s time to make the most of the options available to you. There are many, and it’s important to remember that. It can be a cost emotionally and financially, but it’s a cost that is completely worth it.