
Women in Montana Are Embracing New Motherhood After 40
When my miracle baby arrived at the age of 35, it was an overwhelming moment. I never thought I would experience it, especially after being told that carrying a baby to term might not be possible for me.
I’ve noticed something interesting among the women I graduated high school with. Some had babies right after graduation, but even more are just now beginning their motherhood journey. I no longer hold the title of the oldest first-time mother in my class. I found it intriguing when I came across data showing a growing trend of women giving birth between the ages of 40 and 44.
Comparing data from 1985 to 2021, there has been a 4% increase in women having babies later in life. But in recent years, from 2021 to 2022, this percentage has grown by 6%. This upward trend is not just seen in statistics but also the increased curiosity and awareness surrounding pregnancy after 40.
According to data from Flo, there has been an astonishing 300% increase in searches for 'chances of getting pregnant after 40 naturally' in the past year in the United States alone. Similarly, Google search trends for 'risk of getting pregnant after 40' have soared by 120%. These figures show the curiosity and potential interest of women in becoming mothers at older ages.
Flo's research shows that Montana has emerged as a state embracing this later-in-life pregnancy trend. But the big question is, is it safe to be pregnant and carry a child past the age of 40? According to Dr. Flanagan, a medical board expert at the women's health app Flo, it is generally safe.
However, the presence of pre-existing conditions can increase the risk. As we age, conditions like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes become more common and can complicate pregnancies. So, it's important for “older” moms to prioritize their health and manage any existing conditions for a safer pregnancy.

From one “older” mom to another, if you’ve ever worried that you're in the minority and have laid awake at night with all of the thoughts that can only run through an “older” mom’s head, just know that you’re fine. You are perfectly fine. Your journey might have taken a little longer than the journey of other women in your life, but you’re here now. Instead of worrying about what people might think about you being an older mom, shut them out and soak in every second of this life-changing miracle! You are in for something really spectacular!
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Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor
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