Katrina Kaif’s pregnancy at 42 has sparked global conversations about motherhood beyond the so-called ‘biological clock.’ While success stories inspire many women to embrace motherhood later in life, doctors warn that getting pregnant after 40 carries higher risks and requires careful preparation, medical supervision, and significant lifestyle adjustments to ensure a safe pregnancy and healthy baby.
Recently, Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif confirmed that she is expecting her first child at the age of 42. The announcement captured attention not only because of her stardom but also because it reignited a debate about motherhood beyond traditional timelines. Around the world, more women are choosing to delay motherhood until they feel ready — financially, emotionally, or professionally.
Katrina’s decision mirrors a global trend. In 2013, Hollywood actress Halle Berry gave birth at the age of 47. Business leaders, politicians, and many ordinary women worldwide have also expanded their families in their 40s. These examples inspire women to believe that age need not be a barrier to motherhood, but they also raise important medical and emotional questions. Doctors emphasize that while pregnancies after 40 are increasingly common, they demand more planning, greater awareness, and strong support systems to address the challenges.
To understand this growing reality, medical experts Dr. S.N. Basu and Dr. Shivani Garg, Senior Consultants at Amandeep Hospital in Amritsar, shared their insights on the risks, scientific advancements, and lifestyle changes essential for women considering pregnancy after 40.
Risks and ways to minimize them
Pregnancy after 40 is medically possible but categorized as high risk. Both mothers and babies face potential complications, and awareness is the first step toward minimizing them.
One of the most frequent complications is high blood pressure. Women over 40 are at a greater risk of developing hypertension during pregnancy, which in severe cases can lead to preeclampsia — a condition that endangers both mother and baby by restricting blood supply. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential throughout the pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes is another significant concern. Older mothers are more vulnerable to this condition, where blood sugar levels rise during pregnancy. If not managed properly, gestational diabetes can affect the baby’s development, leading to higher birth weights, increased amniotic fluid, or neonatal jaundice. For mothers, it raises the likelihood of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Perhaps the most sobering statistic is the risk of miscarriage, which rises steeply after 40. Doctors estimate miscarriage rates at this age range between 30 to 40 percent, often linked to chromosomal abnormalities in embryos. This reality makes medical supervision critical.
Still, risks do not mean impossibility. With proactive healthcare, complications can often be prevented or reduced. Dr. Basu stresses: “Early detection and routine checkups are crucial. Regular blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring, along with maintaining a healthy weight and taking prenatal vitamins like folic acid, can greatly reduce risks.”
Lifestyle changes are equally important. Avoiding smoking, alcohol, processed foods, and adopting balanced nutrition helps protect both mother and child. These small but consistent choices shape healthier outcomes.
Effects on the baby in the womb
Late motherhood does not only affect mothers but also carries risks for babies. Doctors warn that congenital malformations, such as defects in the baby’s physical structure, are more likely in pregnancies after 40.
Placental issues are another frequent concern. A weak or underdeveloped placenta can reduce blood flow to the baby, limiting oxygen and nutrients. This may cause restricted growth, lower amniotic fluid levels, and complications that sometimes necessitate early delivery.
Chromosomal abnormalities also rise with age. The most widely recognized example is Down syndrome, a condition that impacts both cognitive and physical development. At age 40, the likelihood of delivering a child with Down syndrome is around 1 percent — approximately three times higher than in younger mothers.
Growth restrictions are a further challenge. Babies may not gain enough weight in the womb, increasing risks during childbirth and after delivery. To address these risks, regular ultrasounds, advanced prenatal testing, and continuous medical supervision are strongly recommended.
Doctors note that these risks are probabilities, not certainties. Many women over 40 deliver healthy babies, thanks to modern screening methods and timely medical interventions.
Can the risk factors be reduced?
While age cannot be reversed, many risks linked to pregnancies after 40 can be managed or reduced with conscious healthcare and lifestyle adjustments.
Routine prenatal care forms the backbone of safe late pregnancies. Women should undergo screenings for gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and chromosomal abnormalities. Frequent checkups help doctors act quickly when problems arise.
Nutrition is a cornerstone of pregnancy health. A diet rich in protein, leafy greens, fresh fruits, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids supports both mother and baby. Foods that must be avoided include raw seafood, unpasteurized dairy products, excess caffeine, and highly processed items. Prenatal supplements such as iron, folic acid, vitamin D, and DHA, taken under medical supervision, further improve pregnancy outcomes.
Exercise also plays a vital role. Light to moderate activities such as walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga help maintain circulation, control weight, and ease stress. However, high-impact or risky sports should be avoided to prevent injuries.
Mental health must not be overlooked. Stress management through meditation, mindfulness, or adequate rest enhances emotional stability. Strong support systems from family and friends help women navigate the challenges of high-risk pregnancies.
Dr. Basu explains: “Pregnancy after 40 demands holistic care. A healthy body, positive mindset, and consistent lifestyle adjustments are key to success.”
Natural chances of conception
Fertility declines rapidly with age. At 40, the natural conception rate per menstrual cycle is only around 5 percent, and this percentage drops even further with each passing year.
Dr. Shivani highlights the ovarian reserve test, which measures Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels. After 40, AMH levels usually decline significantly, signaling reduced egg quality and quantity. This biological factor makes conception more difficult.
Lifestyle choices can influence fertility. Some women in their late 30s may already show reduced ovarian reserves, while others in their early 40s may retain relatively healthier fertility markers.
If conception does not occur within six months of trying, fertility specialists recommend seeking medical assistance. Complete evaluations of both partners, including hormone analysis, sperm quality testing, and ultrasounds of reproductive organs, provide a clearer picture. In many cases, assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF or ICSI may be advised.
Science has also created options for women who wish to delay motherhood earlier in life. Egg freezing in the early 30s can preserve fertility, giving women more flexibility to conceive later with stronger chances of success.
Signs of possible complications and medical treatment
Pregnancies after 40 require heightened vigilance. Recognizing warning signs early can save both mother and child.
Dr. Basu advises immediate medical consultation if women experience severe abdominal pain, fluid leakage, excessive bleeding, vision changes, persistent headaches, sudden swelling, high fever, or reduced fetal movement after 20 weeks.
Modern medical technology has revolutionized prenatal care. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) now provides highly accurate screening for chromosomal abnormalities. First-trimester screenings that combine blood tests and ultrasounds offer additional insights into fetal health.
In some cases, invasive procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are necessary to confirm suspected abnormalities. Though these tests carry risks, they give crucial clarity to parents and doctors in planning medical care.
Delivery planning also becomes essential in late motherhood. Hospitals with advanced neonatal intensive care units are often recommended, ensuring immediate support in case of complications.
Is there a ‘correct’ biological age to become pregnant?
Fertility experts widely agree that women are most fertile in their 20s and early 30s. Fertility begins to decline significantly after 35 and drops sharply after 40.
Dr. Basu adds that Indian women often experience menopause earlier than Western women, typically between ages 45 and 49, compared to 51 globally. This difference shortens the reproductive window for South Asian women, making biological timing a critical factor.
Still, doctors emphasize there is no single “right” age for motherhood. Health, emotional readiness, financial stability, and family support matter as much as biology. Many women in their 40s have healthy pregnancies when supported by medical care and lifestyle discipline.
Dr. Garg explains: “Motherhood at 40 is not impossible. With preparation, good health, and the right medical support, women can successfully experience late pregnancies.”
The evolving reality of late motherhood
Katrina Kaif’s pregnancy has reignited debate on motherhood after 40 but also reflects a broader social trend. Around the world, women are delaying parenthood to focus on careers, financial independence, and personal goals. Fertility technologies such as IVF, surrogacy, and egg freezing, coupled with advances in prenatal care, have made later motherhood more practical and less risky than before.
Yet challenges remain. The risks of complications are higher, and older mothers often require closer medical supervision. What has changed is that science and lifestyle management now provide women with more choices. Motherhood after 40 is no longer taboo but rather a carefully considered decision.
Ultimately, the “right” time to have a child depends not only on biology but also on readiness, resources, and personal circumstances. Katrina Kaif’s journey highlights that motherhood after 40 is possible, provided women approach it with awareness, responsibility, and medical guidance.
