The New Era of Motherhood: What It’s Like Being Pregnant at 40+
By now, you may have heard that there’s been a significant demographic shift in the US toward later pregnancies: Births among women 40 and older have surged by 193 percent since 1990, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while births among women ages 35 to 39 have nearly doubled. This means that for the first time ever, there are more women over 40 giving birth (4.1 percent) than teenagers (4 percent)—plus, teen pregnancies have drastically decreased.
This trend reflects broader changes in society that go all the way back to the invention of the birth control pill and the rise of women going to work during the second half of the 20th century. “Many women are prioritizing education, careers, financial stability and finding the right partner before starting a family,” says Jenna Turocy, MD, an ob-gyn, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at Columbia University Fertility Center. “Additionally, advances in reproductive technology—such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing and donor eggs—have made later-in-life parenthood more attainable than ever before.”
Moreover, older moms are in a different emotional life stage than those in their 20s and 30s—which can make the experience both easier and harder. “For me, having a baby at this stage of life is such a thrill,” says Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, a nutrition expert and author of Feed the Belly: The Pregnant Mom’s Healthy Eating Guide, who recently gave birth to her fourth child at 50, through the use of IVF and an egg donor. “I kind of still can’t believe that Romy is here and that she’s healthy. And it’s really cool to see my 13-year-old son fall in love with her, as well as my other two daughters. I thought I’d feel self-conscious that people would look at me and think I was the ‘old’ mom, but really I’m the confident mom who’s already experienced all the baby milestones. This time, I’m savoring all of it—every little phase and giggle.”
If you’re considering pregnancy over 40—or just curious about what it’s like—read ahead for the benefits of being an older mom (and there are plenty!), potential health risks and stories from real moms. (And whatever you do, throw the words “geriatric pregnancy” out of your vocabulary!)
There’s a complex set of reasons for why we’re seeing more over-40 pregnancies than ever—and, of course, individual reasons vary from parent to parent. Here’s how experts break it down:
People are partnering up later
In 1990, the average age of first marriage for a woman was around 24, while now it’s around 29, according to the US Census Bureau. “We’re seeing a delay in both union formation, particularly marriage, and the transition to first births,” explains Karen Guzzo, PhD, a family demographer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, adding that many pregnancies over 40 aren’t first pregnancies. If you’re delaying having your first child until your late 30s, you may not have your second until after 40.
Most people still want children, and they usually want two or three. But they also want to have kids after they’ve met widely accepted social prerequisites for doing so—finishing school, finding a secure and at least somewhat rewarding job, having a decent income, a stable place to live and a partner who’s also achieved those things. Those things are harder and harder for young adults to come by and take longer to achieve.
Aurélie Athan, PhD, a clinical psychologist who researches the psychology of motherhood and reproductive identity at Columbia University’s Teachers College, adds that it’s becoming increasingly challenging for some women to find a partner earlier in life—“whether due to a rise in hookup culture, a growing gap between women’s and men’s educational attainment or the intensifying conversations around gender role expectations,” she explains. “I hear from many women that they’re unwilling to compromise when it comes to partnership—and for better or worse, that conviction often collides with the biological realities of the fertility window.”
Assisted reproductive technology is on the rise
While IVF continues to be expensive and it’s not always covered by insurance, its usage is overall increasing. In 2023, 4 in 10 Americans said they’ve either used fertility treatments or know someone who has. According to research, between 8 and 10 percent of births—and 15 to 28 percent of first births—to moms over 40 use medically assisted reproduction. (The range in percentages is due to the father’s age, which plays a big role too.)
People are no longer “following a script”
In our parents’ generation, it was much more unheard of to have a child after 40. But these days, more people are asking themselves what they want rather than doing what’s expected. “There’s been what some call an ideational shift—a move toward valuing self-actualization and autonomy when making life choices,” says Athan. “In other words, people aren’t just following a set script anymore.”
The world is unpredictable
“Climate change is accelerating, geopolitical instability is rising and, here at home, we’re witnessing rollbacks to basic reproductive healthcare access,” says Athan. “For some, these conditions create hesitation or delay. For others, they clarify the need to become deeply intentional about parenthood.”
There’s a wide range of experiences when it comes to pregnancy over 40. While there’s generally a higher risk of complications, many women in their 40s have uneventful pregnancies and birth experiences. “I got pregnant just after getting married at 40,” says The Bump community member ChristieandChristopher. “I was told that, based on bloodwork, we’d probably need to see a fertility specialist to have help starting a family. I ended up having my son without assistance. Currently 42 and pregnant with baby No. 2! Conceived while still breastfeeding. Who knew?! We’re definitely blessed.”
I got pregnant with my own eggs at 42… Baby will be born when I’m 43. This wasn’t a planned pregnancy and we’ve never tried to conceive. We were unsure if we wanted children or not, and when I hit 40 I thought, ‘Well, guess we’re not having kids.’ Not being a big medication person, I missed a few pills and whammo…preggers.
Largeman-Roth says she waited much longer this time around to tell family and friends because it was so unexpected. “I was really nervous that I’d be judged, but people were very supportive,” she says. Because she was high-risk, she says she had more frequent prenatal appointments. She also had to take a baby aspirin and measure her blood pressure daily to make sure she wasn’t developing preeclampsia. But, overall, her pregnancy was uncomplicated—not too different from those she had in her 30s, she says—and she stayed active: “I was on the Peloton just days before I delivered!”
Some women go through years of fertility struggles before giving birth in their 40s. Camille Guaty, an actress who’s now starring in HBO Max’s Duster, gave birth to her son at 43. “I started really trying around 37, and after a year with no success, I was told my ovarian reserve was similar to that of a 50-year-old,” she shares. “That news shattered me. But I kept going. Over the next four years, we did five rounds of IVF, tried intrauterine insemination and transferred 22 embryos—none of it worked. I was exhausted, grieving and still showing up to play a pregnant woman on TV while feeling completely broken inside.” Eventually, Guaty says she turned to an egg donor—something she says she’d never expected to do, but is the best thing that could have happened. She’s since been an outspoken advocate for IVF access.
Many women feel heightened emotional pressure around a later pregnancy. “There’s often a quiet, invisible pressure to ‘make it all count,’” says Lilit Ayrapetyan, PsyD, a clinical psychologist with a focus on maternal mental health. “Women wrestle with high expectations, fear of complications, grief over previous losses and the sense that their timeline doesn’t match the ‘norm.’” At the same time, a later pregnancy can bring greater joy. “I was the happiest pregnant woman,” says Guaty. “I beamed. I was overflowing with gratitude. I still remember the level of happiness I felt—it literally radiated through me. Every moment felt like a blessing.”
Scores of studies show that women who are naturally able to have children later in life tend to live longer. For example, one data analysis found that women who gave birth after 40 had four times the odds of living to 100 than those who had their last child at younger ages. This suggests that prolonged fertility is connected with slower aging, and less susceptibility to age-related diseases.
Psychologically, a later pregnancy often comes with more wisdom—you know who you are at this point in your life, so you may be more empowered in your parenting choices. “There’s a quiet confidence that comes with being an older mom,” shares Sheila Vijeyarasa, author of The Power of Little Steps: Create the Life of Your Wildest Dreams and spiritual teacher, who gave birth to her son at 47. “I’ve lived a big life—career success, travel, spiritual growth—and now I bring all of that grounded wisdom to motherhood. I’m more patient. I don’t sweat the small stuff. And I know how to trust my intuition.” After going through IVF and egg donation, she supports women in their own fertility journeys through her coaching group Brave Through IVF.
“You may be parenting with more perspective, know yourself better, have increased financial security, be more grounded and often, more patient,” adds Ayrapetyan. “Many women over 40 have done years of emotional work by the time they become moms, so they bring that wisdom into the way they parent.”
Pregnancy over 40 does come with some increased risks, both for Mom and baby, says Turocy. As your egg quality declines as you age, the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities also rises, per Cleveland Clinic. Also, your chances of chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure increases as you age, which increases the likelihood of complications—but staying in overall good health can help prevent many of these issues. “With close monitoring and good prenatal care, many women over 40 have smooth, healthy pregnancies,” Turocy says. That said, with pregnancy over 40 you have a higher likelihood of:
- Gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure, which can lead to preeclampsia
- Placenta previa
- Needing a C-section
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Chromosomal abnormalities
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight
Keep in mind that contrary to popular belief, the age of the dad matters for baby’s health too. Babies born to fathers who are over 35 are at a higher risk for low birth weight, seizures and the need for ventilation after birth, with risks going up as dads got older, according to a study by Stanford Medicine.
After 40, pregnancy can also coincide with the tumultuous period known as perimenopause, or even come close to menopause, points out Athan. This means you’re going through massive hormonal changes, which can lead to brain fog, mood swings, disrupted sleep and irritability. “It can feel like a double whammy (triple with early motherhood!) of developmental transitions happening in the same household,” says Athan. All of this can be challenging to navigate with a baby (and possibly other kids) in tow, particularly if a woman doesn’t have a good support system. This is also a life era when many women are working on advancing in their careers, changing careers or starting businesses—and pregnancy and baby add more to-dos to the list. At the same time, older parents and existing older kids may need your support. On top of it all, thoughts about your own health and longevity will crop up too. “Some women worry about energy levels or how old they’ll be as their child grows—or whether they’ll be around for future milestones like graduations or grandchildren,” Athan says.
By age 40, the monthly chance of conceiving naturally drops down to around 10 percent, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), from around 25 percent in your 20s and early 30s. By age 45, that chance drops to 1 percent or less, says Turocy. In addition, your likelihood of an IVF cycle leading to a baby also goes down with age. “IVF success rates also decline with age when using one’s own eggs, but outcomes with donor eggs are much more promising,” notes Turocy.
When it comes to preparing for pregnancy over 40, it can be much like preparing for any other pregnancy: Schedule an appointment with your ob-gyn, start taking a prenatal vitamin, track your ovulation, stop using birth control and adopt healthier eating and lifestyle habits. But if you’re over 40, experts also recommend that you see a fertility specialist sooner rather than later if you’re actively trying to get pregnant. “Preparation is key,” says Turocy. “I encourage women to meet with a fertility specialist early to assess ovarian reserve and discuss timelines.”
Once you’re pregnant—no matter at what age—it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced pregnancy diet, getting enough sleep and reducing stress, says Turocy. As with any pregnancy, stay away from alcohol, smoking and vaping, and only sticking to pregnancy-safe medications. If you have any chronic conditions, make sure to discuss those with your healthcare provider. “Focus on diet and lifestyle on a daily basis prior to conception, as this impacts egg health, and then once pregnancy has been achieved as well,” advises Skyler Jacobs, CNM, a certified nurse midwife with Modern Obstetrics and Gynecology of North Atlanta.
When it comes to your mental health both before and during pregnancy, Ayrapetyan recommends the following advice:
- Make room for ambiguity. “It’s okay to feel grateful and scared, excited and uncertain. You don’t need to experience or perform only joy,” she says.
- Take back the “too late” narrative. “Cultural scripts about age and motherhood are outdated,” she notes. “You’re not behind, you’re right on time for your own life.”
- Acknowledge past trauma. If you’ve experienced loss or infertility, these past experiences may resurface. “It’s not a failure to carry fear with you, it’s human,” she says. But with the right support, you can still cultivate hope.
- Create a mental health support plan. This might mean working with a therapist, joining a community of later-in-life moms and moms-to-be, or just connecting with one person you really trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pregnancy over 40 high-risk?
Yes, any pregnancy over 35 is technically considered high-risk, according to Cleveland Clinic. However, your individual risk of complications varies based on your own health and other factors. Other factors that can make a pregnancy high-risk include preexisting health conditions, pregnancy-related health conditions and lifestyle factors including alcohol, smoking and toxin exposure.
What prenatal testing should I get if I’m pregnant over 40?
Women over 40 are typically offered more in-depth prenatal screening and diagnostic testing due to the increased risk of issues such as chromosomal abnormalities, says Turocy. This may include non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) as early as 10 weeks, which analyzes fetal DNA through a blood sample. Other options may include a nuchal translucency ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis, “depending on personal preferences and risk factors,” she adds.
What percentage of women over 40 conceive naturally?
Again, your chances of conceiving naturally if you’re over 40 are around 10 percent, according to ACOG. They diminish to around 1 percent by the time you’re 45. If you’re over 40 and having trouble conceiving naturally, you may want to visit a fertility specialist.
Who are some celebrities who’ve had babies after 40?
If you’re looking for older-mom inspiration, there are many celebrities who’ve had babies over 40—look no further than Gisele Bündchen, who gave birth to her third baby at age 44 in February 2025. Other late-bloomer celebrity moms include Alanis Morissette, Hilary Swank, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Salma Hayek, Nicole Kidman and others.
Having kids after 40 is simply not as big a deal as it used to be—chances are, you know someone who’s done it successfully. If you’re looking to get pregnant after 40, make sure to connect with others who are in a similar boat, suggests Athan—they’re all around you. “Above all, remember—there’s no expiration date on becoming a loving, attuned human,” she adds. “Start with yourself. The one you’re raising will feel that, and respond in kind.”
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Aurélie Athan, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and faculty member at Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York City who is reviving the term “matrescence” for the modern era. She teaches the first of its kind graduate-level course and certificate in reproductive wellbeing. Her latest work introduces the inclusive concept of "reproductive identity"—how our desires about having children or not shape who we are, how we live and how we’re seen by others.
Lilit Ayrapetyan, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist with a focus on maternal mental health, particularly for high-achieving and working mothers.
Karen Guzzo, PhD, is a family demographer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the director of the Carolina Population Center. She studies family formation behaviors in the US, examining trends and patterns in childbearing goals and behaviors.
Skyler Jacobs, CNM, is a certified nurse midwife with Modern Obstetrics and Gynecology of North Atlanta practicing full-scope midwifery in the hospital and clinic setting. She is also the founder of Well & Worthy Co., where she passionately empowers expecting women through their pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey. Jacobs earned her master’s degree from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jenna Turocy, MD, is an ob-gyn, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at Columbia University Fertility Center. She earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Having a Baby After Age 35: How Aging Affects Fertility and Pregnancy, February 2023
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Is Age Just a Number? Advanced Maternal Age and Stillbirth Risk, January 2024
American Society for Reproductive Medicine, US IVF Usage Increases in 2023, Leads to Over 95,000 Babies Born, April 2025
Cleveland Clinic, Advanced Maternal Age, February 2022
Cleveland Clinic, High-Risk Pregnancy, July 2024
Menopause, Extended Maternal Age at Birth of Last Child and Women’s Longevity in the Long Life Family Study, January 2015
National Center for Health Statistics, Effects of Age-Specific Fertility Trends on Overall Fertility Trends: United States, 1990–2023, March 2025
Pew Research Center, A Growing Share of Americans Say They’ve Had Fertility Treatments or Know Someone Who Has, September 2023
Planned Parenthood, The Birth Control Pill: A History, June 2015
Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World, Medically Assisted Reproduction in the United States: A Focus on Parents 40 and Older, November 2023
Stanford Medicine, Older Fathers Associated with Increased Birth Risks, October 2018
US Census Bureau, Historical Marital Status Tables, November 2024
Us Weekly, Over 40—and Pregnant! See Stars Who Welcomed Babies Later in Life, April 2025
Real-parent perspectives:
- Camille Guaty, actress and mom of one based in Los Angeles
- Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, nutrition expert, bestselling author and mom of four in Brooklyn, New York
- Sheila Vijeyarasa, author of The Power of Little Steps, executive coach, spiritual teacher and mom of one in Australia
- ChristieandChristopher, The Bump community member
- Smartin34, The Bump community member
Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.
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