“Whether your pregnancy was meticulously planned, medically convinced, or happened by surprise, one thing is for sure: your life will never be the same again.” Catherine Jones
Across cultures, the news that women became pregnant in their 50s received mixed reactions from families, friends, and the community. Some cultures found it medically amazing, amazing, and miraculous; some found it critically dangerous and embarrassing, while others found it funny and ridiculous. Whatever the reaction and reception that generated the news, there is a common basis for such a reaction: the risk and wonder of pregnancy at 50 years old.
The physical, emotional, psychological and social makeup of a 50-year-old woman indicates disadvantages that outweigh the advantages; pregnant women in their 50s are at higher risk.
High risk in pregnancy refers to the increased possibility of morbidity and mortality for the conceived mother and fetus. The study shows that the increased incidence of gestational diabetes, hypertension and fetal mortality due to low birth weight and premature birth counts as one of the many risks faced by pregnant women in their 50s and the child they give birth. Death before and during conception is also common; the causes of death among pregnant women in their 50s are hemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and pulmonary embolism (blockage of the veins leading to high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs). The common cause of death or problem with the conceived fetus would be deformity, premature labor, and if the baby survives to delivery, the risk of congenital disability is higher.
Oppose menopause
Pregnancy in your 50s runs counter to the common idea that many collectively believe about being unable to conceive during menopause. Menopause is the stage when the release of the egg in the woman’s ovaries begins to slow down and eventually ends or stops, although ovulation does not stop immediately, making it possible for pregnancy to occur. Contrary to common belief, conception is still possible at the onset of menopause.
Few women expect to have a child at age 50, but when pregnancy is unavoidable, a 50-year-old pregnant woman faces many problems and challenges. First, there are the physical changes you must deal with: physical discomfort, hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods or periods, loss of libido, and many other physical changes that can lead to the second challenge: emotional and psychological adjustment. Most women who are in the menopausal stage probably struggle with emotional and psychological problems such as mood swings, irritability, fatigue, disorientation, mental confusion, disturbing memory lapses, anxiety and depression, among others, which can also affect social relationships within the family and its social circles. Having a child in this condition may not be favorable for the woman and the child in her womb. The best way to deal with the inevitable is to seek help and appropriate treatment for menopause. Herbal remedies and natural approaches to treat menopausal discomfort is a wise choice, considering pregnancy and the harmful effect of artificial treatment on the fetus. The intake of healthy foods and regular but light exercises are habits that should be strengthened or started in the usual routine of a pregnant woman. Staying connected with important people and circles of friends helps a lot during this period.
Golden egg laid in golden years
For women in their 50s who planned and chose to be pregnant, the moment of conception is the happiest event of their lives. The rare opportunity to conceive at age 50 made pregnancy a miracle and a moment of triumph; an amazing event treasured along with the golden experiences accumulated over 50 years. At best, it can become the pinnacle of a woman’s achievement in her life.
The gynecologist sometimes reminds the 50-year-old woman who aspires to be a mother of the fact that her remaining eggs or only count about 100 or more, so as not to give her false hope. That means the chances are very slim, regardless of the many assisted reproductive technologies that abound. To realize the dream of having a child in that golden year, a woman must diligently and expensively make a golden effort to care for that golden egg that will bring so much happiness to the 50-year-old aspiring mother. So when conception occurs at age 50, whether naturally or artificially induced, there will be cause for celebration to mark the precious golden moment.
