Menopause is a one-time event that a woman reaches after she has experienced 12 consecutive months of not having her period with no pregnancies in between. It usually begins in a woman’s mid-40s to around the age of 60. In some cases women menopause very early (in their 30s). In some cases it lasts years, around seven to 14 years, and in other cases as little as two years.
The period before menopause is called perimenopause. This is when women experience the “menopause symptoms” such as missed periods and hot flashes. During this phase, a woman’s fertility declines, and it can be more difficult to conceive (for those trying), but it is not impossible. In fact, many women conceive unexpectedly during the perimenopause period, and these babies are known as “menopause babies.” Halle Berry and Kelly Preston are just two celebrities who have admitted to having menopause babies, with Kelly Preston confessing to have been completely surprised.
So how can women conceive if they are skipping their periods? Simple. Even if a woman doesn’t have her period, it doesn’t necessarily mean she has stopped ovulating. And ovulation is the most important aspect of the reproductive cycle.
Babies born to older mothers tend to be smarter.
Unexpectedly conceiving can bring a woman through a roller coaster of emotions, especially during menopause. First there are the lifestyle reasons. Sometimes the woman’s other children are already grown, and starting from scratch can be just as daunting as the first time. Another baby will drastically change their lifestyle. Baby proofing the house all over again, finding a school all over again, learning about the newest baby technology, feeding, teething, diapering, and playdates. It’s a lot… again! (On lifestyle: Many women who have menopause babies do not realise it until much later in the pregnancy because they became accustomed to skipping their periods, and their lifestyles weren’t ideal for early pregnancy, such as drinking and smoking.)
Finances is a second reason. Many older women are already looking forward to retirement. Another baby can require unexpected changes in their financial plans. In some cases because a woman is older the family is actually more financially stable and secure, but it doesn’t change the fact that adjustments need to be made, especially when considering that the baby will grow and need to attend school for around 18 years. In other cases the woman can be financially unable to take care of another baby.
Regardless of the main reason that comes to mind, menopause babies do present challenges, and many women are often at a loss on what they should do. Like all pregnancies, however, taking a deep breath and clearly assessing the situation and how the family can proceed and accommodate the new addition is the clear and best first step. Following that, the positive points can be enjoyed.
There are plenty of perks to having a menopause baby. Women who conceive at a later age have been known to live longer. They are also known to be smarter as they age. The kids too, benefit from increased intelligence. Finally, having a little one in the family when the parents are at an older age can keep them laughing and well entertained. Every baby is a joy, after all!
If you have conceived during perimenopause, like all pregnancies, it is important to visit your doctor as soon as you realise you are pregnant. As a woman ages so do her eggs, and the quality can reduce, which increases the chances of fetal abnormalities, low birth weight, and learning disabilities. Women may also have a higher chance of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and high blood pressure.
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