How to Get Pregnant Over 40

Getting pregnant at 40 years old can be difficult as biological time clocks tend to have strict limitations. It is a higher risk pregnancy due to all of the challenges that face women at 40 or above: infertility, miscarriage, birth defects and labor complications are some of the major ones. However, becoming pregnant when you're over 40 is not impossible if a few behavioral modifications are met.

Instructions

Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy at 40

1

Avoid stress and consuming alcoholic beverages. These factors play a huge role in overall health as well as the ability to get pregnant at 40 and beyond. Stress can wreak havoc on your hormones, which may cause irregular menstrual cycles and prevent ovulation. Find an activity that relaxes you and practice it daily. Try gentle exercise, yoga, meditation, reading or listening to soft music. Alcohol consumption may cause a host of abnormalities such as no ovulation, ovarian disorders and improper development of the endometrial lining. Drink in moderation or abstain altogether to avoid any of these complications.

2

Track ovulation dates to find out your best time to get pregnant. This is more important as you age since the opportunity to become pregnant reduces as time goes by. Use a basal thermometer to find out your body's cycles. It keeps track of your body temperature and shifts in this temperature to help you determine when you ovulate. Keep track of ovulation dates by using an ovulation predictor kit. These are found at your local drug or grocery store and can gauge bodily changes with either a urine test or saliva test.

3

Employ diet and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. A well balanced diet must include complex carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats. Whole grain breads, wheat bran, berries, broccoli, spinach, salmon and herring are all great foods for a woman attempting pregnancy. Incorporate exercise into your regimen at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Mild to moderate strength training and cardiovascular workouts can help immensely. You need not belong to a gym; exercise can be performed in and around the home. You may use barbells and ankle weights to gain strength, and employ activities such as walking, swimming and light jogging to fulfill the cardio workout.

4

Take vitamin supplements. Sometimes it is difficult to get all of the essential vitamins and minerals from food sources only. By taking a prenatal vitamin or a multivitamin, you can supplement the lack of nutrients that will aid in pregnancy. Iron, calcium, zinc, folic acid and Vitamin B6 are particularly important for women to reach optimal fertility. If you are deficient in any of these vitamins and minerals, your chances of getting pregnant may be affected. To find out if you are lacking in these areas, see your doctor for a blood test. She will be able to identify if you need to supplement your diet with certain nutrients. Remember, nutrition is important prior to pregnancy as well as during the pregnancy.