The buzz around Deepika Padukone’s second pregnancy at 40 has reignited conversations about late fertility, motherhood, and the related risks. As more women choose to delay childbirth due to career goals, financial stability, or personal readiness, pregnancies in the late 30s and early 40s are becoming increasingly common.
The actor, in an Instagram post, announced she is expecting her second child with husband Ranveer Singh, which featured their first-born daughter as well.
Medically referred to as advanced maternal age, pregnancy after 35 - and especially after 40, comes with unique considerations. Fertility naturally declines with age due to a decrease in both the number and quality of eggs. This can make conception more challenging and may increase reliance on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF.
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Experts say pregnancy after 40 is possible and can be safe with proper medical care. However, it is classified as a higher-risk pregnancy. Some of the key risks include:
High blood pressure is one of the risks of late pregnancy which can cause preeclampsia
With the rise of fertility preservation techniques like egg freezing and improved IVF success rates, more women are planning pregnancies later in life. Many women in their 40s conceive either naturally or with medical assistance, depending on their reproductive health.
Egg freezing, in particular, has become a popular option among women in their 20s and 30s who want to extend their fertility window. This allows them to use younger, healthier eggs later, improving chances of conception.
There is a growing shift in how society views motherhood. While earlier generations often considered 30 the “ideal” age, today’s women are redefining timelines. Late motherhood is no longer unusual – it is a reflection of evolving priorities and medical progress.
However, experts caution against glamorising late pregnancies without awareness. Each woman’s fertility journey is unique, and age remains an important biological factor.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
