Pregnancy after menopause

In women, when the menstrual cycle naturally stops completely, it is called menopause. Its symptoms include sleep disturbances, low physical energy, period-like feeling, hot flashes, vaginal dryness etc. Menopause can occur in women between the ages of 40 and 50. However, in some cases, women can go through menopause even at the age of 51.

(Read more: Early symptoms of pregnancy)

Post-menopausal women have higher levels of LH and FSH and lower levels of estrogen and progesterone. After coming into this condition, women cannot ovulate nor can they conceive naturally. However, with the help of donor eggs, women can become pregnant even after menopause.

There are two biological cases for women to get pregnant after menopause. First, where an egg is released by the ovary just after menopause. And second, where the reproductive system continues to function even after menopause. All that is required for this to happen is a slight stimulation of estrogen and progesterone hormones. After this, with the help of a donor egg, women can become pregnant even after menopause.

(Read more: Pregnancy test kit)

If you want to give birth to a child after menopause or during menopause, then your step should be to consult a good doctor to guide you during this process. By adopting some methods after or during menopause, you can increase the chances of getting pregnant. While this does not work optimally for every woman, it can definitely help to some extent.

Recognize the signs of ovulation: During menopause, if you are seeing natural signs of ovulation such as breast tenderness and white discharge from the vagina, then this can be a good sign for you. In such a situation, you may be able to conceive by identifying the right time of ovulation. Alternatively, you can also use ovulation test strips.

Make lifestyle changes: If you are planning for a child during menopause, then eat a nutritious and balanced diet and exercise regularly. These habits will boost your overall health, which can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): During perimenopause and after menopause, one can conceive with the help of assisted reproductive technology like IVF. This can prove to be a ray of hope for many women. After menopause, the few eggs left in the body of women will not be viable and you may need a donor egg. Women who have already frozen their eggs can use them for IVF. However, the chances of a healthy pregnancy are reduced by using assisted reproductive technology.

(Read more: Hormone replacement therapy for menopause)

Women who conceive after 35 years of age may have to face many problems. This may not only have an adverse effect on the health of women but can also harm the child. Some of the risks involved are:

• Risk of miscarriage
• Complications during pregnancy (higher chances of cesarean delivery)
• Baby at risk of having a congenital genetic disorder
• Mother at risk of having health problems
• Lack of proper development of the fetus
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight 

(Read more: Tips to increase baby’s weight)

After menopause, women cannot give birth naturally. Also, if you give birth to a child after menopause with the help of some other techniques, then you may have to face many problems. To avoid any complications, you may want to do your family planning for before the age of 35.

(Read more: Homeopathic medicine, treatment and remedies for Menopause)