Marla Ahlgrimm on Pregnancy and Perimenopause

Menopause brings on the freedom of no longer having to worry about birth control. But, Marla Ahlgrimm reminds women that menopause is not achieved overnight. It can take four years or more (some women go through perimenopause for up to a decade), and in that time, a woman can still conceive.

Facts about Perimenopause and Reproductive Health

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, fertility does decline as a woman approaches true menopause. However, the ability to conceive does not end until it's official. During the transitional phase, the ovaries may be winding down, but they still release eggs intermittently.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that ovulation continues to occur while a woman has a menstrual period. This is true whether or not the cycle is heavier or lighter than normal, or whether it's irregular. Ovulation is a prerequisite for conception, so pregnancy remains possible.

The chance of naturally becoming pregnant does drop significantly as a woman progresses through perimenopause. Marla Ahlgrimm says that each passing year marks a decline in the quantity and quality of remaining eggs, and ovulation becomes more unpredictable.

Contraception Is Crucial

The vast majority of healthcare professionals recommend that women who don't wish to become pregnant continue to use contraception throughout perimenopause. Marla Ahlgrimm says this could be a condom, hormonal birth control, or other method that the woman and her partner(s) are comfortable with. Marla Ahlgrimm also reminds us that unpredictability is the biggest risk factor, as things like natural family planning are wildly ineffective during perimenopause.

Dangers of Advanced Maternal Age

Women over the age of 35 are considered of advanced maternal age. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this is not an indicator of a woman's youthfulness, but a cautionary definition about the potential health risks of carrying a child to term past prime childbearing years.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, risks to the mother include gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, placental complications, and pregnancy loss. Further, she says that older women are more susceptible to certain health conditions along with experiencing more instances of Cesarean delivery.

There are risks to the baby as well. Marla Ahlgrimm says the chance of a baby having a genetic disorder or condition, such as Down syndrome, increases significantly as egg quality declines. Premature birth, low birth weight, and multiple pregnancies are also a concern.

Marla Ahlgrimm recommends that women who do not wish to become pregnant continue to use a reliable form of contraception throughout their childbearing years. Although the ability to conceive naturally declines rapidly after about the age of 40, pregnancy is still possible, and women must continue to be responsible with their reproductive health.