Navigating Pregnancy in Your 40s

Are you pregnant at 40 or older? Whether this is your first child or the latest addition to your family, the journey can be empowering and emotional. Questions around fertility, risk, and what’s next often come up during a geriatric pregnancy. If you’re uncertain about being in a high-risk pregnancy age group, rest assured that while the path may look a little different, it’s one worth taking with the right information and medical support.

A doctor examines a pregnant woman focusing on pregnancy in her 40s in San Diego, CA

Understanding Fertility in Your 40s

Fertility naturally shifts as you age. Ovarian reserves decline, hormone levels shift, and ovulation can become irregular. While many women over 40 conceive naturally, others turn to in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg preservation, or donor eggs. No matter your starting point, meeting with a fertility specialist may prove valuable. You’ll get a clearer picture of your reproductive health and learn what steps support your chances of getting pregnant.

Potential Risks and Considerations

There’s nothing wrong with having a baby at 40 or later; it just requires more attention to reduce the risk of complications. Here’s what expectant mothers encounter more often at this age:

Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia
Genetic risks such as Down syndrome
Preterm labor or low birth weight
Cesarean delivery

Risk does not equal certainty. Many women in their 40s enjoy healthy, full-term pregnancies, especially with consistent prenatal care by a fertility specialist or obstetric provider experienced in geriatric pregnancies.

Healthy Habits for a Strong Pregnancy

You can’t change your age, but you can support your body in several ways. Here’s where to focus:

Healthy diet: Prioritize leafy greens, protein, berries, and healthy fats.
Regular exercise: Walk, swim, or do yoga to improve circulation.
Plenty of sleep: Routinely getting a good night’s rest boosts hormonal function and energy levels.
Lower toxin exposure: Choose BPA-free food and drink containers, and use natural skincare products without synthetic chemicals.
Personalized supplements: Begin a routine based on actual lab data, not guesswork.

Emotional and Mental Wellbeing

Being pregnant at 40 often carries a unique emotional weight. Some women feel immense joy and gratitude. Others experience worry, pressure, or even guilt. All of these reactions are valid.

It helps to talk, whether with a therapist, a fertility counselor, or a trusted friend. Daily practices like journaling, meditation, and mindfulness also create space to mentally reset.

You don’t need to be upbeat all the time. You just need people around you who understand the emotional ups and downs of having a baby at 40. Start building that support system early.

Choosing the Right Healthcare Team

The doctors at Advanced Functional Medicine in San Diego take time to learn your story. Our fertility specialists can suggest specific tests—such as food sensitivity screenings, digestive health panels, and hormonal evaluations—to shape supplement and dietary recommendations based on your body, not just your age. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant at 40 or older, we invite you to schedule a no-fee discovery call to discuss what’s possible.