Pregnancy During Menopause: Everything You Should Know

Women experience menopause between the age of 45 to 55. It is when the oestrogen levels in a woman's body start decreasing, and the ovaries gradually stop ovulating. However, as seen in numerous instances, this doesn't mean the end of fertility.

Is it Possible to Get Pregnant During Menopause?

It is a misconception that once the period stops, women cannot get pregnant. People also often get confused between menopause and perimenopause. Women who experience a long break in their period are in the perimenopausal stage. The egg-producing capability of a woman is greatly reduced but not completely over. So, pregnancy during menopause cannot be ruled out as a possibility.

The chance of conceiving becomes highly improbable only when menopause sets in completely. This holds true for women under 50 who have not had their period for more than two years and those over 50 with a year's gap since the last period.

Pregnancy Risks During Menopause

For sexually active menopausal women who do not use contraceptives, it may lead to pregnancy. However, with advanced age, risks linked with pregnancies increase.

• Miscarriage
• Caesarian delivery and delivery-related complications
• A long labour for normal deliveries
• Growth of embryo outside the uterus also called ectopic pregnancy
• Gestational hypertension and diabetes for expecting mothers
• Chromosomal abnormalities in the baby

Menopausal Symptoms

The most common menopause symptoms seen in women are:

• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness and urinary infection
• Hot flashes
• Memory problems
• Mood swings
• Sleep problems
• Painful intercourse
• Weight gain
• Loss of muscle mass

Treatment for Menopause

In most cases, a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition provide relief to menopausal women. Hormone Replacement Therapy is prescribed for women suffering from symptoms such as osteoporosis, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes. The therapy includes an oestrogen/progestin supplement administered orally or as a skin patch or gel. A topical ointment may be used for vaginal dryness. For some women, anti-depressants are prescribed to combat mood swings.

Exercises That Provide Relief During Menopause

Regular exercise has helped women with menopause symptoms. Besides relieving stress and enabling women to lead a better life, they help in controlling weight gain and muscle loss.

You may choose from:

• Yoga
• Cardio - walking, jogging, cycling, swimming
• Cardio equipment - elliptical, StairMaster, etc.
• Strength training to rebuild muscle loss
• Dance - jazz, ballet, salsa
• Dance aerobics - Zumba

When to Consult a Doctor

Besides the normal early signs of pregnancy such as morning sickness, tenderness of breasts, and a frequent urge to urinate, if you experience fatigue, mood swings, and insomnia, which are also menopause symptoms, you must consult a doctor who may advise a pregnancy test. This is done to confirm whether the symptoms are pregnancy or menopause related.

Consult Dr. Nandita P.Palshetkar for All Your Pregnancy-Related Problems

If you want to conceive and are facing problems, you must visit the best IVF clinic or consult the best fertility specialist near you. For more detailed information on menopause, its symptoms, and treatments, you can schedule a free consultation with Dr. Nandita P. Palshetkar today. Dr. Nandita. P. Palshetkar is one of the best gynaecologists in Mumbai, pioneering various IVF treatments in India while helping couples become parents.