From MadeForMums · · 1m 30s
Can you have a baby after 40?
Fertility expert explains why celebrity 'geriatric pregnancy' stories don't mean everyone can conceive naturally at 40.
In brief
Fertility expert explains why celebrity 'geriatric pregnancy' stories don't mean everyone can conceive naturally at 40. Women over 40 can have babies but face lower natural conception chances and medical challenges, with celebrity pregnancies not guaranteeing fertility success. Originally reported by MadeForMums.
Celebrity pregnancy trend
Famous women like Hilary Swank at 52 and Lady Gaga at 40 are having babies later in life.
“From Hilary Swank expecting another child at 52 to Lady Gaga becoming a first-time mum at 40”
Why women delay motherhood
Financial readiness, partner availability, and career goals affect when women start families.
“Among 32-year-olds who wanted a child but weren't yet trying, 46% said they didn't feel ready, 28% cited financial reasons, 24% didn't have a suitable partner and 22% pointed to work or study.”
Fertility statistics
Only 44% of women born in the early 1990s became mothers by 30, compared to 58% of their mothers' generation.
“Research from University College London, following people born in the early 1990s, found that just 44% of women had become mothers by 30”
London motherhood trend
London's average mother age reached 32.5 in 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics.
“And the shift is particularly noticeable in London, where the average age of mothers reached 32.5 in 2024”
Motherhood experience
Sybilla Hart, a mum-of-five, felt more emotionally ready for motherhood at 38 than in her twenties.
“I had grown hugely in levels of emotional maturity and was happy to stay in the newborn bubble and baby chaos for as long as it took”
Fertility challenges
Women over 40 face lower natural conception chances and higher miscarriage risks with age.
“By your 40s, both the number and quality of eggs have typically decreased, making conception more difficult and increasing the risk of miscarriage.”
Natural conception rates
Women in their early 40s have about a 5% monthly chance of conceiving naturally.
“Women in their early 40s may have around a 5% chance of conceiving naturally each month”
IVF success rates
IVF success rates drop from 10% for women aged 40-42 to 5% for women aged 43-44.
“In 2022, the IVF birth rate per embryo transferred was around 10% for women aged 40 to 42, falling to approximately 5% for women aged 43 to 44.”
Fertility treatment access
Only 24% of IVF cycles in England were NHS-funded in 2023, compared to 54% in Scotland.
“In 2023, just 24% of IVF cycles in England were NHS-funded, compared with 54% in Scotland”
Fertility expert advice
Dr Justin Chu recommends seeking fertility advice early to understand options for conception.
“Dr Justin Chu, UK Medical Director at TFP Fertility, explains that there are several routes to motherhood later in life.”
Key takeaway
Later motherhood is possible but individual circumstances matter more than celebrity examples.
“The message isn't that women should abandon their hopes of having a baby after 40. It's that later motherhood is possible, but individual circumstances matter.”
The short version
Women over 40 can have babies but face lower natural conception chances and medical challenges, with celebrity pregnancies not guaranteeing fertility success.
