Myth-Busting: Getting Pregnant Over 40 Isn’t Impossible

For decades, women over 40 have been told that their chances of getting pregnant are slim to none. We hear it all the time: “Your eggs are too old,” or “You’re past your prime.” But let’s get something straight—while it’s true that egg quantity and quality decline with age, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy baby. As my motto goes, ‘It only takes one egg’.

The Facts vs. The Fear

Yes, factually speaking, we have fewer eggs at 40 than we did at 18, and those eggs might not be as “sparkly.” But that doesn’t mean they’re incapable of creating life. Many women over 40 have conceived naturally, and I’m living proof of this possibility. At 33, I was told I had low ovarian reserve, yet here I am—a proud testament to the fact that quality trumps quantity.

The truth is, it’s time to change the narrative around age and fertility. Women in their 40s are still having healthy pregnancies, and some are even surprised by them! Did you know that women over 40 actually have the second-highest abortion rate? This surprising statistic shows that unexpected pregnancies in this age group are far more common than we’re led to believe. The myth that you can’t conceive naturally at this age is just that—a myth.

Prioritising Emotional Health & Unconscious Mindset

The most critical factor in optimising fertility isn’t just physical health—it’s emotional wellbeing and mindset. Your unconscious beliefs can play a significant role in how your body responds to the fertility journey. If deep down you believe, “I’m too old,” or “This will never happen for me,” your body may respond to that stress by making it harder to conceive.

Here’s how to prioritise your emotional health:

1. Address Limiting Beliefs: Work through the narratives you’ve absorbed about age and fertility. Journaling, therapy, or coaching can help shift these.

2. Cultivate Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself on this journey. Let go of guilt, shame, or feelings of inadequacy.

3. Visualise Your Success: Imagine your body as capable and resilient, focusing on the belief that conception is possible.

4. Reduce Stress: Stress can impact hormones and fertility. Incorporate mindfulness practices like yoga, meditation, or breathwork into your daily routine.

What Women Over 40 Prioritise for Fertility

When working with women in their 40s, I’ve noticed clear priorities that help them optimise their chances of conception. These are the key pillars:

1. Emotional Health & Mindset:

This is the foundation. Addressing limiting beliefs, managing stress, and nurturing emotional wellbeing is critical to creating a fertile body and mind. Without this, even the best diet and supplements can fall short.

2. Nutrition:

A nutrient-dense, fertility-friendly diet tailored to your needs helps optimise egg and sperm health. Specific deficiencies can be identified and addressed through tools like HTMA testing.

3. Sperm Health:

Remember, it’s a two-way street. Ensuring your partner’s sperm is healthy is equally important. Healthy sperm improves your chances of conception and lowers the risk of genetic issues.

4. Targeted Testing & Supplements:

Testing like HTMA and personalised supplementation help restore balance in your body, improve energy, and support optimal fertility conditions.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments:

Quality sleep, exercise, and limiting exposure to toxins (like alcohol, smoking, or environmental chemicals) all contribute to a healthier body and a better environment for conception.

By prioritising these areas, women over 40 can create the best conditions for a successful pregnancy.

Celebrities Who’ve Conceived Naturally Over 40

To further dispel the myth, here are some high-profile examples of women who conceived naturally in their 40s:

• Halle Berry: Welcomed her son at age 47, calling it a “miracle.”

• Susan Sarandon: Gave birth to her third child at 45 after being told she couldn’t have children.

• Julianne Moore: Had her second child at 41.

• Kelly Preston: Gave birth to her son Benjamin at 48.

• Geena Davis: Welcomed twins at 48.

• Gwen Stefani: Had her third child naturally at 44.

• Eva Mendes: Became a first-time mum at 40.

These women show that natural conception is possible well into your 40s, despite what society might say.

Changing the Narrative Around Fertility Over 40

Society has conditioned us to believe that fertility disappears after 40, but that’s simply not true. The idea that women are no longer viable mothers at this age creates unnecessary fear and despair. It’s time to challenge that narrative with hope, empowerment, and facts.

Yes, you might have to work a little harder to ensure your body and mind are in optimal condition, but with the right support, your dream of holding a baby in your arms is still within reach.

So, let’s stop telling women what they can’t do and start showing them what’s possible. Because the truth is: you can.

Let’s change the narrative together..

If you’re 40+ and want to get pregnant then let’s make a plan. Book a call HERE