Is Pregnancy Possible During Perimenopause?

Many women are choosing to have children later in life, which may prompt the question of whether becoming pregnant during perimenopause is possible. The short answer is yes, but with some limitations. “The possibility of pregnancy [during perimenopause] is reduced and is widely dependent on whether there is regular ovulation,” said Anushka Chelliah, M.D., a board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Obstetrix® Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists of Houston, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group. “During perimenopause, or in women of advanced maternal age particularly after 40 years old, ovarian reserve decreases and ovulatory cycles may not be as frequent,” she explained. Thus, the chance of pregnancy drops considerably. “In those who are truly in the perimenopausal phase, ovulation may still occur in about 20-23% of women,” said Dr. Chelliah.

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