Pregnancy & Conception For Women Over 40

It’s more and more common these days for women to be starting or growing their family well into their forties.

While women’s reproductive health has improved significantly in the last couple of decades, many can nevertheless experience challenges conceiving as they grow older.

Science can assist with some of these, and many women opt to undergo procedures such as hormone injections, intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization.

For others, there are barriers to such treatments; some do not wish to undergo the invasive physical trials, for others there is a financial barrier, others still prefer to treat their bodies more naturally and look at what can be done to improve the odds without drastic measures.

However, there are options for fertility for women over 40 available, including naturopathic methods.

Why Does Age Affect Female Fertility?

As women age, their bodies’ hormone production changes.

Specifically, progesterone and estrogen see a decline, which are the primary hormones responsible for the menstrual cycle and conception.

Once women reach age 32, there is a small yet gradual decline in the chances of conception, and by 40, the chances of getting pregnant are half what they were at 30.

Risks Of Pregnancy After Age 40

As we now know, father’s age can also factor in to pregnancy risks, such as congenital autism.

On the mother’s side, not only can the fetus be at risk, but the mother herself.

• They can be at a higher risk of stillbirth and miscarriage

• Gestational diabetes is higher in women over 40

• Pre-eclampsia

• Placental issues (placenta previa and placental insufficiency)

Down syndrome does also see an increase with an older mother, as well as the accuracy of the tests themselves.

Naturopathic Treatments For Female Fertility

Luckily, there are natural ways for preparing for conception and keeping your pregnancy viable.

Keep reading to find out more.

This article, of course, is only for informational purposes. For more details on naturopathic treatments for fertility, book an appointment with us at the Mindful Healing Clinic.

1. Diet & Nutritional Supplements

Probably the most influential thing you can do is improve your daily diet to meet recommended daily intake for optimal minerals and vitamins.

In fact, it’s so important that there was even a study and subsequent book published to educate women about what to consume and what to avoid, entitled The Fertility Diet, by Dr. Jorge Chavarro

Diet can be bolstered by choosing the right supplements for your needs, but there are specific recommendations for moms-to-be over 35.

The first of these is co-enzyme Q10, which aids in improving egg quality.

Secondly, in addressing quantity, you may want to ask your doctor about DHEA.

DHEA is a natural hormone that seems to improve egg production, thereby improving your chances of conceiving.

Finally, another common recommendation is royal jelly, which has been around for centuries, and which assists in longevity, lower blood pressure and reduced lethargy, as well as fertility.

2. Acupuncture

Many people swear by acupuncture to help them with their various aches, pains and stiffness.

Acupuncture can also be used to assist with imbalances within the body in order to encourage a fertile environment.

Many women who have suffered through miscarriages and inability to conceive have successfully carried a child to term after speaking with a knowledgeable acupuncturist and undergoing a few sessions.

Acupuncture can also be used throughout the pregnancy in order to keep the pregnancy stable, and so many women opt for this, too.

3. Reduce Your Vices

You know what they are: coffee, smoking, alcohol.

These drugs are all known to reduce fertility as well as interrupt sleep cycles and stress the body.

The effects of these vices on human health have been scientifically documented for a long time, and we all know they are unhealthy for both the parents and the fetus.

4. Improve Your Sleep Schedule

Fertility is linked to your circadian rhythms, so listening to your body and getting the sleep you need is crucial for reproductive health.

Be sure to get lots of quality sleep to give your body what it needs to nourish life.

Turn off the devices at least a half hour before you turn off the light.

Speaking of which – be sure to sleep in as dark an environment as you can achieve in order to get a deep sleep.

Try to keep the rhythm by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

If you work at shift work, try to negotiate to have your schedule changed, if possible, as the disrupted sleep patterns have been linked to higher risk of miscarriage.

5. See A Naturopathic Doctor

When you are already emotionally and physically stressed with the desire and attempts to get pregnant, one of the best things you can do is share the burden.

My name is Dr. Maria Cavallazzi and I am a Naturopathic Doctor in downtown Mississauga-Streetsville.

If you're having trouble with conception, or you're thinking of conceiving a child, contact me to book a FREE 15-minute initial health consultation.

We'll sit down together and talk about your health concerns, your pregnancy goals, and any other concerns you may have. I'll answer all your questions, and from there we can talk about possible treatment plans.

Contact us here at the Mindful Healing Clinic today to book your FREE 15-minute naturopathic consultation today.

Until next time,

Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago.