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Women over the age of 40 need worry no more about considering being an older mum.

A new study found, women over 40 who undergo IVF treatment are more likely to give birth to a healthy baby compared to those who conceive naturally at the same age.

Ground breaking research by Adelaide University found the risk of birth defects was halved with the use of the fertility treatment, contrary to widespread belief.

Lead author Professor Michael Davies said the findings were “extremely important”.

“There is something going on that can halve the risk of birth defects in women over 40,” he told 7 News.

“There may be an opportunity there for actually improving the health outcomes for children generally to older women.”

“It’s saying something so positive, it’s something to be happy about.”

The report also found that younger women conceiving through both IVF and ICSI (Introcytoplasmic sperm injection) had a greater chance of birth defects, with the highest risk being around the age of 29.

The university researchers studied every live birth in South Australia from 1986 to 2002, which included more than 301,000 natural births, 2200 IVF births and 1400 ICSI births.

It is definitely a glimmer of hope for mums trying to conceive who feel age is a barrier.

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  • That’s interesting !
    My single friend is in her fourties and wanted to conceive a baby through IVF some years ago and was refused as she was to old !!

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  • Good news for those who delay parenthood for whatever reasons. As long as they don’t go too old, helping 60+ year olds have babies

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  • It would be interesting to see current data as the data is from 1986 – 2002. I imagine much has changed since then?

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  • Interesting article makes sense really as they would check the sperm is viable and healthy before insemination instead of the natural way of conception. Especially if the father is older then his sperm may not be as healthy.

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  • While some Mums may be able to have babies via IVF in their forties doesn’t mean the child won’t have problems associated with that in adulthood.
    Also some Mums haver difficulty coping as it puts more strain on your body and generally tire much quicker as time goes by.

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  • This is good news for older mums.

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  • Wow an interesting article as hope definitely is felt when above a certain age group to conceive. I’ll be passing this onto friends whom can relate.

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  • That’s very interesting to read. I became mum through IVF at 36. And I was already feeling the stress of my clock ticking.

    Reply

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