Getting pregnant during early menopause is possible, although the chances are naturally reduced as you age. Until your period has ceased for 12 months, you are still capable of becoming pregnant.
Perimenopause
The first stage of menopause, called perimenopause, usually starts between 40 and 50 years of age and during this time you may experience irregular periods. Sporadic ovulation still occurs and it is possible to become pregnant.
Percentages
According to the Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, your fertility starts to decline during your late 20s. Fertility rates at this age are approximately 40 percent to 50 percent. By the age of 40, fertility experts believe your chances of becoming pregnant fall to about 5 percent.
Improving Your Chances
Fertility enhancing options include egg donation, fertility hormone treatment, fertility drugs and in vitro fertilization (IVF), which can increase your chance of becoming pregnant as much as 50 percent, according to Sharedjourney.com. Drugs and hormones increase your egg production. Egg donation is an option when your own eggs are not viable.
Pregnancy with IVF
Older human eggs are less viable for fertilization, therefore IVF using donated eggs has become one of the more successful methods of conception at this stage in your life.
Risks
Pregnancy during early menopause carries increased risks, including low birth weight and Down Syndrome for the baby and a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease for the mother.
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