Mommy Talk Show Candid Conversation with a TV Mom
At least once a week when I’m out in public I’m asked if I’m going to have any more children. When I say no, I get flooded with sad looks and guilty sentiments about how “lonely” A.J. will be as an only child. Hey! I had him when I was 36 after suffering with uterine fibroids for years, so I’m just happy he’s here. I shared my pregnancy experience in this video. Between the financial obligation, the thought of another c-section delivery and the fact that our family of three feels perfect – I’m not in a rush to have any more children. But…just in case I did want to have another baby I know it’s not impossible even without fertility treatments. Several celebrity moms made it look easy and I asked America’s OBGYN for his advice on how to get pregnant over 40.
Celebrity Moms Over 40
Your 20’s and 30’s are the ideal ages to get pregnant for numerous health reasons. That doesn’t mean you can’t deliver a healthy baby in your 40’s like these celebrity moms.
Halle Berry
After two failed marriages, Halle Berry finally had her daughter Nahla at 41 with then- boyfriend Gabriel Aubry. Her third marriage to actor Olivier Martizen resulted in her second pregnancy at 46! They have a son together.
Janet Jackson
The youngest Jackson family member have birth to her first child at age 50. Plenty of Janet Jackson fans were disappointed that she canceled her 2016-2017 World Tour. I created this video about Janet Jackson’s 2016 pregnancy announcement.
Uma Thurman
After having two children with Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman said didn’t think she would have any more. But alas when she was 42, she had her daughter Luna. Lesson here: Never say never!
Mariah Carey
The singer gave birth to her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, when she was 41 years old. Mariah and soon-to-be ex-husband Nick Cannon, told ABC’s Barbara Walters that fertility treatments made their parenting wish come true.
Tina Fey
Comedienne, writer, actress, director (I mean seriously, is there anything this woman can’t do) had her daughter, Penelope in 2011 when she was 41 years old. Even with a busy career and older daughter Alice, she saw fit to bring another soul into this world.
Geena Davis
The actress had her first daughter at 46, then delivered twins at 48 with no fertility treatments.
Susan Sarandon
Maybe there was something in the “Thelma & Louise” water on set because Geena Davis’ co-star is another midlife mom. After she was diagnosed with endometriosis in the 80’s Susan Sarandon didn’t think she could have children but she in fact had three. A girl when she was nearly 40 and two boys with her partner, Tim Robbins, when she was 42 and 45.
These women are great examples of going for what you want when it comes to career and family. It is never too late to make your dreams of being a motherhood realty.
How to Get Pregnant Over 40
American’s OBGYN, Dr. Drai, shares his fertility expertise on DrDrai.com and his very active Facebook page.
He suggests you talk to your OBGYN at least six months before you try to get pregnant considering some of the challenges of getting pregnant over 40. Our eggs are older and as male sperm ages it may also have some genetic defects. Dr. Drai told me, “Your doctor will review your pregnancy risks such as genetics issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or early delivery. I refer you directly to a fertility specialist immediately. Start taking your prenatal vitamins and extra folic acid.
Dr. Drai’s Tips to Conceive
1. When you ovulate, you release an egg. Women who have regular periods every month ovulate 14 days BEFORE the first day of her period.
If example, if your period starts on the 15th of every month, you release an egg around the 1st. So that’s when you want to have sex. You can also download an app to your smartphone to help plan the optimum times to conceiver.
2. Quit smoking. This can decrease your chances to conceive.
3. Cut back on alcohol consumption. That’s a no brainer.
4. Stop the caffeine craziness. Limit yourself to only two cups of coffee a day.
5. Watch that diet! Food high in mercury-seafood-have been associated with decreased fertility. You don’t want to be super skinny or too
fluffy- both can cause issues with conceiving.
6. Start exercising. This will help you in labor and to keep that baby weight off.
7. Relax and have fun! Sex should be fun not work. Don’t stress- it will happen!
Dr. Drai reminds women that the celebrity moms we see may have used fertility treatments and donor eggs to make their motherhood wishes come true.
When I was pregnant with A.J. I was incredibly uncomfortable since he weighed almost nine pounds. I found an Atlanta chiropractor who helped me get relief. Here’s my interview with Dr. April Warhola.
Great tips! I had all my kids in my 30s and am ready to say “done!”. I had all mine through c-section so it wouldn’t be good for me to have more. I am amazed with how far medicine and birthing has come to allow for healthy successful pregnancies in the late 30s (…which had me classified as a “high risk” pregnancy due to advanced maternal age) and 40s!
Great tips! I’m in my 30s and am already “done” with having anymore babies… but passing this onto my friends!
Oh no no no. We’re done with toddlers. Now we’re at the point where we can’t wait for them to go off to college!
Oh please, bite your tongue! I had mine in my 20s (yes, on purpose!) and now that they are teens I would freak OUT if I found out I as pregnant! I am 15 years away from retirement!
These are great tips! Thanks for sharing.
After giving birth at 18 and 28 (and my kids being 10 years apart), I always shuddered at the notion of having another baby. I turn 40 this year and I’ve started thinking about perhaps having another one. LOL. But the way my life is now, and as much as I travel, I would have to give up a lot. Not sure if I’m ready to do that just yet. 🙂
My brother and I are 12 years apart. I’m glad my parents decided to have one more child when my Mom was 38!
Thank you for this article. I have been getting down, due to trying for years to get pregnant. I am now 37 and getting worried about having time to have a baby. This is inspiring to read, and very informative. My husband and I are currently trying to find a birth mother we can help through private adoption, so if anyone has any suggestions of where to find a birth mother, advice would be greatly appreciated. Here is to wishing everyone the best, when trying to get pregnant. I have definitely learned to not think about it, and just have fun.
Thanks for sharing everyone.
Marcie
Married at 38, my daughter came at 42 with no fertility treatments. She is my miracle!