Dispelling the Myths About Menopause and Pregnancy

Many women associate menopause with infertility and the inability to conceive children as their menstrual cycles cease. In fact, women remain fertile for up to 12 months after menstruation has stopped. Chances of pregnancy occurring may be slim, but it is still entirely possible.

Misinformation or confusion about menopause and pregnancy is very prevalent. Women are often aware that changes are taking place within their bodies, but they may not understand the exact implications regarding fertility. As their monthly periods become lighter and more irregular and eventually stop, women assume their ovaries have stopped producing eggs and sufficient hormones to support their monthly menstrual cycle.

While it is certainly the case that far fewer eggs are being produced, the irregularity or end of menstruation is not an indication that ovulation has ceased permanently. Ovulation can and does still occur sporadically in some women following the cessation of monthly bleeding for one or several months. Ovulation still occurs in almost 2/3 of women experiencing lighter or irregular periods during the perimenopause years. Although the chances are much slimmer than those during the years prior to menopause, it is still entirely possible for a woman to conceive as long as ovulation occurs even once.

In the interest of preventing an unplanned pregnancy women should make use of reliable methods of birth control until their periods have ceased for one full year. The temptation to use less reliable approaches to birth control in response to menopause and pregnancy is ill advised. Unplanned pregnancies that occur later in life may be a blessing for some women, but there are health risks for mothers and babies associated with pregnancy after age 40. Less reliable birth control options such as the rhythm or ovulation methods may well result in conception. Using the most reliable methods of birth control is the only way to prevent unplanned or unwanted pregnancy at this time.

What are some of the risks associated with later life pregnancy? Individuals should consult with their doctor regarding risks pertaining to their particular medical history and current health status. In general, there is an increased chance of:

1. Genetic abnormalities such as Down Syndrome


2. Miscarriage


3. High blood pressure and gestational diabetes


4. Eclampsia (condition involving serious health risks)


5. Labor problems


6. Multiple births

If you have questions or concerns about menopause and pregnancy or later life pregnancy, consult with your doctor as soon as possible. There are important steps women can take to help ensure the healthy birth of a child conceived during menopause. There are ample options for preventing or terminating an unplanned or unhealthy menopause pregnancy, as well.