Can a 50-year-old woman get pregnant?

Pregnancy Possibility at Age 50

Yes, a 50-year-old woman can technically get pregnant, but the chances are extremely low and the risks are significantly higher compared to younger women. 1, 2

Natural Fertility at Age 50

• The median age of definitive loss of natural fertility is around 41 years, though this can range up to 51 years 1, 2
• By age 50, natural conception is extremely rare but still possible 2, 3
• The biological decline in fertility:
  • Begins gradually around age 32
  • Accelerates after age 37
  • Becomes dramatic after age 40 4
  • Age 41 is often considered the transition point from declining fertility to functional sterility 3

Physiological Factors Affecting Fertility at Age 50

• Significantly decreased ovarian reserve (fewer remaining eggs) 3
• Poorer egg quality with higher rates of chromosomal abnormalities 3
• Declining endocrine function of the ovaries 3
• Increased prevalence of conditions that may further impair fertility (endometriosis, etc.) 3

Pregnancy Risks at Age 50

If pregnancy does occur at age 50, there are substantial increased risks:

• Maternal complications:

  • Gestational diabetes mellitus 5
  • Hypertensive disorders including pre-eclampsia 5, 6
  • Venous thromboembolism 1, 2
  • Higher cesarean delivery rates 5
  • Maternal mortality 1, 2

• Fetal/pregnancy complications:

  • Chromosomal abnormalities 6
  • Spontaneous abortion (2-3× higher than younger women) 6
  • Stillbirth 1, 2
  • Preterm delivery 5
  • Congenital anomalies 1, 2

Contraception Recommendations

Despite the low probability of natural conception, contraception is still recommended for women at age 50 who wish to avoid pregnancy:

• Both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the North American Menopause Society recommend continuing contraception until menopause or age 50-55 years 1, 2
• The median age of menopause is approximately 51 years in North America but can vary from 40 to 60 years 1, 2
• No reliable laboratory tests can definitively confirm loss of fertility; follicle-stimulating hormone levels may not be accurate 1, 2

Assisted Reproductive Options

For a 50-year-old woman actively seeking pregnancy:

• Conventional fertility treatments (ovulation induction, IVF) show very poor results at this age 3
• Oocyte (egg) donation is the most reliable option, with cumulative birth rates of approximately 80% after four treatment cycles 3
• Preimplantation genetic diagnosis can help screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities 3

Conclusion

While pregnancy at age 50 is technically possible, it is extremely unlikely to occur naturally and carries significantly elevated risks for both mother and baby. Medical guidelines recommend continuing contraception until age 50-55 if pregnancy prevention is desired. For those seeking pregnancy at this age, egg donation represents the most viable option.