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One day about three weeks ago I left work after my morning shift. When I came back three hours later my co-worker informed me what I missed while I was away. The 29 years-old looked at me and said, " My mama's pregnant!" Her 46 year old mother had began the change about a year ago and had been told by her gynecologist she no longer needed contraceptive. Although that strikes me as too soon apparently her mom took the doctors advise.

The important thing to remember is the beginning of menopause is not a line in the sand. Once you are on the other side that doesn't mean you're safe. In fact after learning about my co-worker's mother I started asking around. Pregnancy after the onset of menopause is on the rise. Could it be misinformation about contraceptive? Or, women's desire to grow their families later in life? It is probably a combination of both. If you are going through the change most doctors recommend you continue using safe practices for one to two years depending your age, but should you wait longer. I recommend airing on the side of caution if you don't want to order from the senior's and children's menu at the same time. Remember, every body is different and you don't know how long until yours finishes its transformation.

If however you are hoping it's not too late for you there are many risks involved with carrying a child later in life. After 35 the risk for chromosomal abnormalities, like Down Syndrome, increases significantly. Because of this, you will be subjected to far more testing than the average mother-to-be. Most doctors will ask you submit to an amniocentesis as soon as you are able. This will detect birth defects, but may return a false positive or cause a miscarriage of an otherwise healthy fetus. Another possibility of later life pregnancy, higher rate for conceiving twins, so think carefully or you may get twice as much as you bargained for!

So is pregnancy possible after menopause? Yes! But, not probable if you use good common sense

Learn more about this author, Erica Fields.
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