Is Menopause Pregnancy Really Possible?

It’s finally here: You’re menopausal. But wait, there’s more: You’re also with child. Confusing, isn’t it? Menopause pregnancy could only be described as anticlimactic, at the very least. But is it, really?

Many women make the mistake of diagnosing herself as being menopausal—and infertile—when their menstrual cycle begins to follow an irregular pattern and put it down to menopause cause.  Truth is, menopausal symptoms like missed periods and hormonal imbalances may begin to manifest years before the actual onset of menopause or even perimenopause (the phase leading up to menopause). This misdiagnosis may then lead you to believe that you can ease up on the contraception. And then the biggest shock of your life: a baby at the age of 50!
Generally, menopause pregnancy is not a cause for concern, especially if you take specific measures to take care of yourself and your baby. If anything, it should be celebrated not a side effect of menopause cause.  But it’s normal for some women to show apprehension. After all, it is generally said that pregnancy beyond the age of 35—what more at menopause—may impose certain health risks on you and your baby. You may develop high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, or a cardiovascular disease. Miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and fetal distress are also some of the complications that may occur.


It’s also possible that menopause pregnancy won’t be a pleasant experience. You are adjusting to changes happening in your body, and there is the other body to take care of: the one growing inside you.

If menopause pregnancy is not in your plans, then make sure to remember that you are not completely infertile until after at least a full year of no menstruation. You have to understand, first and foremost, the whole menopause cycle. It is a process that may take 10 to 15 years, in three stages—starting from the aforementioned perimenopause, to the actual menopausal stage, to postmenopause.  Even with the on-and-off menstrual cycles and at perimenopausal phase, you are still ovulating. Menopause pregnancy is still likely.
Your options for contraception remain the same. Tubal ligation is permanent sterilization; the process cuts and clamps the fallopian tubes shut. Your partner may undergo vasectomy, a minor surgical procedure that cuts the vas deferens, the tube where sperm cells pass through. Then there are still the basic but effective methods of contraception. Low dosage birth control pills can also protect you from menopause pregnancy, and even help alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and other menopause causes. Barrier devices, like condoms, are equally efficient.

Menopause pregnancy is no old wives’ tale. You’d think that, at age 45, you will never have to hear this, but you will: Practice safe sex.