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May 3, 2022 · See how your baby is developing in each week of pregnancy with these ultrasound images, from weeks four to 40. For parents anxious and excited to see their growing baby, getting a glimpse of your little one on an ultrasound scan is an incredibly special thing.
May 24, 2024 · Pregnant women aged 40 years or older are more likely to have a baby that is small, slows down in their growth, or grows too big. This is more likely in women who develop pre-eclampsia or diabetes, which is more common in older women. Your midwife will measure your abdomen at every antenatal appointment from 24 weeks onwards.
Dec 18, 2023 · More than 100,000 U.S. women a year give birth over the age of 40. While it becomes harder to get pregnant over 35 — and definitely after 40 — when it does happen, there are upsides. An observational study of mothers over 40 found better health and development in their children up to 5 years of age.
- 1 min
- Since doctors calculate your due date from the first day of your last menstrual period, week one begins with the start of the last period you have before you conceive.
- Ovulation typically occurs during what's considered week two. Your ovary will release a mature egg that travels into the fallopian tube, where it awaits fertilization with sperm.
- During week three of pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining. Some people experience mild abdominal cramping or light spotting known as "implantation bleeding."
- Your at-home pregnancy test can come back positive as early as this week—congratulations! Breast tenderness, one of the earliest signs of pregnancy in some people, might make your bra feel extra uncomfortable at this time.
- Overview
- Menopause vs. pregnancy symptoms
- Symptoms seen in both pregnancy and menopause
- Symptoms unique to pregnancy
- Symptoms unique to menopause
- Pregnancy, menopause, and age
- Next steps
Pregnancy and menopause share a lot of similar symptoms. For women age 40 and older, telling the difference between pregnancy and menopause may be more difficult. Understanding the symptoms of menopause and pregnancy will help you figure out what you’re experiencing.
There are many symptoms that may accompany pregnancy and menopause. Symptoms in one pregnancy may differ from another pregnancy, even in the same woman. Likewise, menopause symptoms differ from person to person, and they also can change over time. The following are some general symptoms that you may have in perimenopause and pregnancy.
Changes in menstrual cycle
Women who are pregnant or in perimenopause will see shifts in their menstrual cycle because of hormonal changes. A missed period is a tell-tale sign of pregnancy, while irregular periods may mean the onset of menopause. Signs of irregular menstruation include changes in blood flow, light spotting, and longer or shorter periods. It’s important to remember that irregular periods could indicate another condition. Speak with your doctors about any concerns. Learn more about conditions that can lead to a missed period »
Fatigue and sleep problems
Fatigue and problems with sleep can occur in pregnancy and during perimenopause. In pregnancy, fatigue is caused by soaring levels of progesterone, which may cause you to become sleepy. In perimenopause, you are more likely to have trouble sleeping and staying asleep, which can cause you to become more tired than normal.
Mood changes
Hormonal changes cause mood swings in pregnancy and during perimenopause. In pregnancy, mood changes may cause you to be unusually emotional and weepy. In perimenopause, these changes may show as moodiness, irritability, or an increased risk of depression.
Sensitive and swollen breasts
Your breasts may feel tender and sore at the beginning of pregnancy. As your body adjusts to the hormonal changes, the feeling of discomfort will ease.
Nausea with or without vomiting
Morning sickness is a common symptom women experience in the first trimester of pregnancy. Although it’s commonly referred to as morning sickness, the feeling of nausea can occur throughout the day. Some women may never feel nausea or the need to vomit during their pregnancy. Learn more: 17 early signs of pregnancy »
Constipation
Changes in your body during pregnancy will slow down your digestive tract. That can lead to constipation. Constipation can affect anyone, but it’s not specifically associated with menopause.
Loss of bone mass
Lower estrogen levels in perimenopause and menopause can cause a loss of bone density. That increases your risk for osteoporosis. Bone mass is not affected by pregnancy.
Decrease in fertility
Ovulation becomes irregular during perimenopause, which decreases your chances of becoming pregnant. You can still become pregnant if you’re still having periods, however. Learn more about pregnancy during perimenopause »
Vaginal dryness
Your vagina may lose lubrication and elasticity because your estrogen levels are decreasing. This can make sex painful. It can also cause bleeding after sex.
More women are giving birth at older ages. Since the mid-1970s, birth rates for a woman’s first child have increased six-foldTrusted Source for women ages 35-44, on average. Birth rates have also increased for women over 45. Additionally, birth rates in this age range have increased by 5 percent in 2015. At the same time, many women start to experience menopause symptoms between 45 and 55 years old. The average age for perimenopause is 51, and an estimated 6,000 women in the United States reach menopause every day.
If you’re still having menstrual periods, it’s possible to become pregnant.
If you think you may be pregnant, take an at-home pregnancy test. Confirm the results with your doctor to make sure you did not receive a false positive or negative. If you are not pregnant, you should make an appointment with your doctor to figure out what may be causing your symptoms. If it’s menopause, work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan for your symptoms. In some cases, you may be able to manage symptoms with lifestyle changes. If those don’t work, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy.
Shop for at-home pregnancy tests.
As we’ve seen, light implantation bleeding is common in pregnancy and nothing to worry about. However, speak to your doctor if you experience any heavier bleeding. “Any bleeding that is heavy, painful, or lasts for more than 2 to 3 days is a reason to see your doctor,” says Dr. Boyle.
Jul 5, 2024 · Pregnant belly photos for every week. Every pregnancy belly is beautiful, and no two look exactly the same. To see how baby bumps take shape, scroll through this gallery of expecting moms from 4 to 40 weeks pregnant. You can also share your own bump photos in the BabyCenter Community.
