WELL BEING: Midlife motherhood

The number of women in Jamaica giving birth in their 40s has in the past four years been on the increase. Over this period, 5,512 babies were born to women between 40 and 49 years-old. Statistics from the Registrar General’s Department indicate a two per cent increase in the birth rate among the 40-plus age group between 1996 and 2000.

This is, however, not unique to Jamaica. In North America, over the past 20 years, the number of women giving birth in their 40s has increased by more than 50%. In 1996, more than 71,000 babies were born to American women between the ages of 40 and 44, and nearly 3,000 were born to women between 45 and 49.

What these statistics reveal is that more women seem to be waiting until later in life to have children.

The benefits of postponing pregnancy until later in life are obvious. By the time you’ve reached your 40th birthday, you’ve most likely managed to establish your career and get your finances in order. You’ve also had the chance to fun and frolic and to prepare yourself for the responsibilities of parenthood, and according to Dr Milton Hardie, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, “40 today is younger than a decade ago.”

This is not to say, however, that the picture is entirely rosy for midlife mothers. Studies have shown that women who become pregnant in their 40s are likely to have multiple complications during pregnancy and during the birthing process itself.

“Increasing maternal age does present a greater risk of foetal abnormalities and obstetric disorders including miscarriage, gestational diabetes or pregnancy hypertension (high blood pressure), and of giving birth to a baby with a chromosomal anomaly,” Dr Hardie told All Woman.

But despite the added risks, older women still have an an execellent chance of a holding their little bundle of joy. A mother who is in good health, and who is closely monitored by her doctor may not have medical complications. “I have had older patients who have done well and gone through their pregnancies without major complications, but I would suggest age 40 as the cut-off point,” Dr Hardie cautioned.

Medical issues aren’t the only factors that older women need to think about however. They must also consider how having a baby will affect their career and their relationship with their partner.

If you’ve spent the past two decades climbing the corporate ladder, you may find it difficult to get the rest you need during your pregnancy or to leave your work-related worries behind while you’re on maternity leave.

Similarly, if you and your partner have been childless for a number of years, you’ve probably settled into some comfortable routines that could be turned up side-down with the addition of a new member.

Because of these challenges, Judith Sachs, co-author of Rewinding Your Biological Clock, stresses that older moms need to make sure that they’ve got a strong support system in place. “This is especially vital for women who have spent most of their adult life on their career and have not been tied to the needs of a small, dependent infant,” explains Sachs.

While the sacrifices may seem overwhelming at first, most women find midlife motherhood to be a particularly sweet experience. “I did not know how much I was missing, my daughter Gabriel who is just a year old has filled so many gaps in my life,” said Lorna a new mom at age 42.

“Women who have waited a long time to have a child or who have the opportunity to experience a second family in their 40s after their first is grown, say that they never knew how wonderful parenting could be,” says Sachs. “Because they truly wanted this baby, their excitement and love is overflowing.”