<b>Dear Doctor, Is it possible for someone in her early 40s, with high blood pressure, to have a baby? I gave birth to a healthy baby girl last year and I want to get a baby boy. I have had blood pressure for seven years </b>
Is it possible to conceive at 40?
Dear Doctor, Is it possible for someone in her early 40s, with high blood pressure, to have a baby? I gave birth to a healthy baby girl last year and I want to get a baby boy. I have had blood pressure for seven years MN
Dear MN, The chances of becoming pregnant are highest when one is in the 20s but decrease with age, becoming essentially zero at menopause. The date for menopause varies from woman to woman, so the time when any woman will stop being able to conceive is also not predictable. Indeed, there are reports of women giving birth at 60 and beyond. The fact that you gave birth last year means you are probably still fertile. Your chances of becoming pregnant may be less than when you were younger, but are not zero. High blood pressure does not stop a woman from becoming pregnant but there are more chances of the pregnancy having problems. There is therefore, need to monitor the pregnancy to avoid complications. I suggest that you involve your physician and obstetrician in planning for the pregnancy. The physician will make sure that the drugs for pressure that you are using are safe during conception and pregnancy. The obstetrician and midwife will monitor the pregnancy, delivery and post-delivery period so that you are successful.