Surprise, You’re Over 40 and Pregnant!

Current information for women as they may confront life changing consequences of pregnancy in later years For families that know they are done having children, it can be an absolute shock to find out that the brood is about to get bigger. In fact, these “oops pregnancies” can be a significant issue for couples who are unprepared for the possible emotional and financial strains. More than half of pregnancies in women over the age of 40 are unintended and a result of birth control failure. Though these women are more experienced at using contraception, there are still many misconceptions about their bodies’ needs as well as their different contraception options. For example, it is not uncommon for women over 40 to mistake the absence of periods as the beginning of menopause rather than a pregnancy, or that newer methods for birth control are safer for older women than in years past. Few people feel completely at ease talking to their doctor about sex, and as a result, many avoid raising questions or concerns. There are also many myths older women may have about birth control. For instance, that in order to ensure never getting pregnant again, a woman must have her tubes tied. Another is that birth control is 100% effective if they are on the pill or using a diaphragm. 48% of unintended conceptions in 2001 happened during a month where contraceptives were used. A third is that they may be too old to have children. While it is true the older a woman gets, the less fertile she becomes, she must consider herself able to get pregnant until she’s been without periods for at least one full year. Dr. Barbara Levy, OB/GYN can help shed light on what she sees daily in her practice regarding the “oops pregnancy” as well as more myths and facts surrounding birth control options primarily more permanent and less invasive solutions, that are right for women whose decision not to have any more children has been made. About Dr. Cindy Basinski (Obstetrician/Gynecologist): Dr. Basinski practices Obstetrics & Gynecology in Newburgh, Indiana. Dr. Cindy Basinski graduated from the IN University School of Med with an MD and she has been in the profession for 13 years.?