GITNUXREPORT 2026

Pregnancy At 40 Statistics

Pregnancy at 40 faces significantly higher health risks and lower fertility success rates.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

Live birth rate with autologous IVF at age 40 is 15.3% per cycle per SART 2021 data

Statistic 2

Singleton live birth rate for 40-42 year olds with IVF is 11.8% per transfer

Statistic 3

Overall pregnancy success with assisted reproduction at 40 is 25-30% cumulative

Statistic 4

Vaginal delivery rate drops to 40-50% for 40+ primiparas attempting VBAC

Statistic 5

Term delivery rate (>37 weeks) is 75-80% for carefully monitored 40+ pregnancies

Statistic 6

Breastfeeding initiation success at 40+ is 85% with proper support per CDC surveys

Statistic 7

Postpartum hemorrhage risk post-delivery at 40 is 5-7% versus 3% younger

Statistic 8

Successful pregnancy after myomectomy at 40 yields 40% live birth rate

Statistic 9

IVF with PGT-A at 40 improves live birth to 25-30% per euploid transfer

Statistic 10

Overall IVF live birth rate 40-42: 21.5% per cycle initiated 2020 CDC

Statistic 11

Frozen embryo transfer success at 40 is 25% live birth per transfer

Statistic 12

Natural cycle IVF at 40 yields 10% pregnancy rate per attempt

Statistic 13

Elective single embryo transfer at 40 reduces multiples to <5%

Statistic 14

Live birth after spontaneous abortion at 40 subsequent rate 60-70%

Statistic 15

Home birth safety at 40 low risk <1% complication if monitored

Statistic 16

Postpartum recovery time averages 8-10 weeks at age 40

Statistic 17

Twin pregnancy survival at 40 with IVF 80% both alive

Statistic 18

Donor sperm IUI success at 40 female 8-10% per cycle

Statistic 19

Cumulative delivery rate 3 IVF cycles at 40: 40-45%

Statistic 20

Women aged 40 have a 5% chance of natural conception per menstrual cycle compared to 20-25% for women in their 20s

Statistic 21

By age 40, ovarian reserve drops significantly with average antral follicle count of 8-15 per ovary versus 20+ in younger women

Statistic 22

Natural fecundity rate for women at 40 is approximately 4.6% per cycle based on life table analysis from large cohort studies

Statistic 23

AMH levels in women aged 40 average 0.5-1.0 ng/mL indicating diminished ovarian reserve

Statistic 24

Time to pregnancy exceeding 12 months occurs in 80% of 40-year-old women attempting natural conception

Statistic 25

Spontaneous pregnancy rate within 1 year for 40-year-olds is 27% versus 85% for under 30s per Hutterite data

Statistic 26

FSH levels on day 3 exceed 10 IU/L in 50% of women at age 40 signaling reduced fertility

Statistic 27

Cumulative live birth rate after 6 cycles of natural trying at age 40 is under 20%

Statistic 28

Egg quality declines with 60-70% aneuploidy rate in oocytes from 40-year-olds

Statistic 29

Donor egg IVF success at age 40+ matches younger recipients at 50-55% live birth per transfer

Statistic 30

Natural conception after 40 leading to live birth within 2 years: 15-20%

Statistic 31

Estradiol levels peak lower at 150-250 pg/mL in stimulated cycles for age 40

Statistic 32

Oocyte yield in IVF at 40 averages 4-6 eggs per cycle

Statistic 33

Blastocyst formation rate from 40yo eggs is 30-40%

Statistic 34

Implantation rate per euploid embryo at 40+ is 50-60%

Statistic 35

Hysterosalpingogram abnormality rate rises to 30% at age 40 affecting conception

Statistic 36

Endometrial receptivity declines with ERA testing positive in 70% at 40

Statistic 37

Sperm factors contribute less but couple infertility at 40yo female is 50%

Statistic 38

PCOS persistence at 40 reduces fertility further with 20% lower success

Statistic 39

Obesity at BMI>30 halves conception odds at age 40 to 2% per cycle

Statistic 40

Chromosomal abnormality risk like Down syndrome is 1 in 100 at maternal age 40

Statistic 41

Trisomy 18 incidence at age 40 is 1 in 250 live births or recognized pregnancies

Statistic 42

Neural tube defect risk slightly elevated to 1 in 800 at advanced maternal age

Statistic 43

Congenital heart defect prevalence is 9-12 per 1,000 in offspring of 40-year-olds

Statistic 44

Neonatal intensive care admission rate is 20-25% for babies of 40+ mothers

Statistic 45

Low Apgar scores (<7 at 5 min) occur in 5-8% of neonates born to 40-year-olds

Statistic 46

Macrosomia risk (>4kg) is 15% higher due to gestational diabetes in age 40 pregnancies

Statistic 47

Respiratory distress syndrome incidence is 10% in preterm deliveries at 40+ maternal age

Statistic 48

Neonatal hypoglycemia rates reach 15-20% in offspring of older mothers with GDM

Statistic 49

Long-term autism risk slightly increased with OR 1.2-1.5 for maternal age 40+

Statistic 50

Trisomy 13 risk at 40 is 1 in 500 for live births

Statistic 51

Sex chromosome aneuploidy like Turner syndrome 1:1,200 at 40

Statistic 52

Cleft lip/palate risk OR 1.3 for maternal age 40+

Statistic 53

Shoulder dystocia incidence 5-10% with macrosomia at 40

Statistic 54

Persistent pulmonary hypertension 2x risk in SGA babies of older moms

Statistic 55

Jaundice requiring phototherapy 15% in term neonates of 40+

Statistic 56

Childhood leukemia relative risk 1.2-1.4 for maternal age >40

Statistic 57

ADHD diagnosis OR 1.1 per 5-year maternal age increase peaking at 40

Statistic 58

Cerebral palsy risk 1.5x to 2 per 1,000 at maternal 40+

Statistic 59

Meconium aspiration syndrome 8% in post-term of older mothers

Statistic 60

Miscarriage risk at age 40 is 34% for clinically recognized pregnancies per large meta-analysis

Statistic 61

Gestational hypertension occurs in 10-15% of pregnancies at age 40 versus 5% under 35

Statistic 62

Gestational diabetes risk doubles to 7-12% in women pregnant at 40 per CDC data

Statistic 63

Preeclampsia incidence rises to 5-10% at maternal age 40+ from 3-4% baseline

Statistic 64

Placenta previa risk is 1.5-2 times higher at age 40 with rates of 0.5-1%

Statistic 65

Maternal mortality ratio at age 40+ is 3-4 times higher than under 30 at 20-30 per 100,000

Statistic 66

Anemia prevalence during pregnancy at 40 is 25-30% due to iron demands and absorption issues

Statistic 67

Thyroid dysfunction risk increases to 10% in pregnant women over 40

Statistic 68

Venous thromboembolism risk triples to 1-2 per 1,000 pregnancies at age 40

Statistic 69

Cardiac complications like peripartum cardiomyopathy occur 2x more in 40+ pregnancies at 1:3,000

Statistic 70

Chronic hypertension pre-pregnancy at 40 increases superimposed risk to 25%

Statistic 71

Deep vein thrombosis incidence is 2-3 per 1,000 in 40+ pregnancies

Statistic 72

Postpartum depression rates reach 15-20% in advanced maternal age

Statistic 73

Urinary incontinence risk post-pregnancy at 40 is 30-40%

Statistic 74

Autoimmune disease flare like lupus occurs in 10% of 40+ pregnancies

Statistic 75

Renal complications in pre-existing CKD rise to 20% at maternal age 40

Statistic 76

Obesity-related complications compound to 40% morbidity at 40+ pregnancy

Statistic 77

Mental health hospitalization postpartum is 2x higher at age 40

Statistic 78

Breast cancer screening interference with pregnancy at 40 affects 5%

Statistic 79

COVID-19 severe illness risk 1.5x higher in pregnant 40+ per CDC

Statistic 80

Preterm birth rate at 40 is 15-20% versus 10% for younger mothers per NICHD data

Statistic 81

Low birthweight incidence rises to 12% in pregnancies at maternal age 40

Statistic 82

Cesarean delivery rate for first births at 40+ exceeds 50% per ACOG reports

Statistic 83

Stillbirth risk at 40 is 1.5-2 per 1,000 ongoing pregnancies after 28 weeks

Statistic 84

Intrauterine growth restriction affects 10-15% of fetuses of 40-year-old mothers

Statistic 85

Multiple gestation risk with fertility treatments at 40 is 20-30% leading to complications

Statistic 86

Oligohydramnios occurrence is 8-12% higher in advanced maternal age pregnancies

Statistic 87

Abruption risk doubles to 1-2% at age 40 per population studies

Statistic 88

Polyhydramnios rate increases to 3-5% in 40+ pregnancies

Statistic 89

Cervical insufficiency risk rises to 5% requiring cerclage in some 40-year-olds

Statistic 90

Chorionic villus sampling uptake at 40 is 5-10% for diagnosis

Statistic 91

Amniocentesis complication rate 0.1-0.3% but recommended at 40+

Statistic 92

Gestational trophoblastic disease risk 2x at age 40 to 1:1,000

Statistic 93

Hyperemesis gravidarum severity increases with age 40 incidence 2%

Statistic 94

Symphysis pubis dysfunction affects 20% of 40+ primigravidas

Statistic 95

Braxton Hicks frequency doubles complicating monitoring at 40

Statistic 96

Non-stress test abnormalities in 15% of 40+ third trimester pregnancies

Statistic 97

Biophysical profile scores <8/10 in 10% at advanced age

Statistic 98

Induction of labor rate 40-50% at 40 due to post-term concerns

1/98

Sources

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While the chance of natural conception at 40 is a sobering 5% per cycle compared to 25% for women in their 20s, achieving a healthy pregnancy is far from impossible, and this post will guide you through the realistic statistics, from conception challenges to delivery success rates.

Key Takeaways

Women aged 40 have a 5% chance of natural conception per menstrual cycle compared to 20-25% for women in their 20s
By age 40, ovarian reserve drops significantly with average antral follicle count of 8-15 per ovary versus 20+ in younger women
Natural fecundity rate for women at 40 is approximately 4.6% per cycle based on life table analysis from large cohort studies
Miscarriage risk at age 40 is 34% for clinically recognized pregnancies per large meta-analysis
Gestational hypertension occurs in 10-15% of pregnancies at age 40 versus 5% under 35
Gestational diabetes risk doubles to 7-12% in women pregnant at 40 per CDC data
Preterm birth rate at 40 is 15-20% versus 10% for younger mothers per NICHD data
Low birthweight incidence rises to 12% in pregnancies at maternal age 40
Cesarean delivery rate for first births at 40+ exceeds 50% per ACOG reports
Chromosomal abnormality risk like Down syndrome is 1 in 100 at maternal age 40
Trisomy 18 incidence at age 40 is 1 in 250 live births or recognized pregnancies
Neural tube defect risk slightly elevated to 1 in 800 at advanced maternal age
Live birth rate with autologous IVF at age 40 is 15.3% per cycle per SART 2021 data
Singleton live birth rate for 40-42 year olds with IVF is 11.8% per transfer
Overall pregnancy success with assisted reproduction at 40 is 25-30% cumulative

Pregnancy at 40 faces significantly higher health risks and lower fertility success rates.

Delivery and Success Rates

Live birth rate with autologous IVF at age 40 is 15.3% per cycle per SART 2021 data
Singleton live birth rate for 40-42 year olds with IVF is 11.8% per transfer
Overall pregnancy success with assisted reproduction at 40 is 25-30% cumulative
Vaginal delivery rate drops to 40-50% for 40+ primiparas attempting VBAC
Term delivery rate (>37 weeks) is 75-80% for carefully monitored 40+ pregnancies
Breastfeeding initiation success at 40+ is 85% with proper support per CDC surveys
Postpartum hemorrhage risk post-delivery at 40 is 5-7% versus 3% younger
Successful pregnancy after myomectomy at 40 yields 40% live birth rate
IVF with PGT-A at 40 improves live birth to 25-30% per euploid transfer
Overall IVF live birth rate 40-42: 21.5% per cycle initiated 2020 CDC
Frozen embryo transfer success at 40 is 25% live birth per transfer
Natural cycle IVF at 40 yields 10% pregnancy rate per attempt
Elective single embryo transfer at 40 reduces multiples to <5%
Live birth after spontaneous abortion at 40 subsequent rate 60-70%
Home birth safety at 40 low risk <1% complication if monitored
Postpartum recovery time averages 8-10 weeks at age 40
Twin pregnancy survival at 40 with IVF 80% both alive
Donor sperm IUI success at 40 female 8-10% per cycle
Cumulative delivery rate 3 IVF cycles at 40: 40-45%

Delivery and Success Rates Interpretation

While the statistics for pregnancy at forty can feel like a daunting series of percentages, they collectively tell a story of careful, modern medicine turning what was once a biological longshot into a deliberate, managed journey where success is hard-won but very much within the realm of possibility.

Fertility and Conception

Women aged 40 have a 5% chance of natural conception per menstrual cycle compared to 20-25% for women in their 20s
By age 40, ovarian reserve drops significantly with average antral follicle count of 8-15 per ovary versus 20+ in younger women
Natural fecundity rate for women at 40 is approximately 4.6% per cycle based on life table analysis from large cohort studies
AMH levels in women aged 40 average 0.5-1.0 ng/mL indicating diminished ovarian reserve
Time to pregnancy exceeding 12 months occurs in 80% of 40-year-old women attempting natural conception
Spontaneous pregnancy rate within 1 year for 40-year-olds is 27% versus 85% for under 30s per Hutterite data
FSH levels on day 3 exceed 10 IU/L in 50% of women at age 40 signaling reduced fertility
Cumulative live birth rate after 6 cycles of natural trying at age 40 is under 20%
Egg quality declines with 60-70% aneuploidy rate in oocytes from 40-year-olds
Donor egg IVF success at age 40+ matches younger recipients at 50-55% live birth per transfer
Natural conception after 40 leading to live birth within 2 years: 15-20%
Estradiol levels peak lower at 150-250 pg/mL in stimulated cycles for age 40
Oocyte yield in IVF at 40 averages 4-6 eggs per cycle
Blastocyst formation rate from 40yo eggs is 30-40%
Implantation rate per euploid embryo at 40+ is 50-60%
Hysterosalpingogram abnormality rate rises to 30% at age 40 affecting conception
Endometrial receptivity declines with ERA testing positive in 70% at 40
Sperm factors contribute less but couple infertility at 40yo female is 50%
PCOS persistence at 40 reduces fertility further with 20% lower success
Obesity at BMI>30 halves conception odds at age 40 to 2% per cycle

Fertility and Conception Interpretation

While nature may be rolling her eyes at forty-year-old ovaries, offering dramatically lower odds with a side of sharply declining egg quality, the serious business of conception becomes a race against a biological clock that is rapidly running out of runway.

Fetal and Neonatal Outcomes

Chromosomal abnormality risk like Down syndrome is 1 in 100 at maternal age 40
Trisomy 18 incidence at age 40 is 1 in 250 live births or recognized pregnancies
Neural tube defect risk slightly elevated to 1 in 800 at advanced maternal age
Congenital heart defect prevalence is 9-12 per 1,000 in offspring of 40-year-olds
Neonatal intensive care admission rate is 20-25% for babies of 40+ mothers
Low Apgar scores (<7 at 5 min) occur in 5-8% of neonates born to 40-year-olds
Macrosomia risk (>4kg) is 15% higher due to gestational diabetes in age 40 pregnancies
Respiratory distress syndrome incidence is 10% in preterm deliveries at 40+ maternal age
Neonatal hypoglycemia rates reach 15-20% in offspring of older mothers with GDM
Long-term autism risk slightly increased with OR 1.2-1.5 for maternal age 40+
Trisomy 13 risk at 40 is 1 in 500 for live births
Sex chromosome aneuploidy like Turner syndrome 1:1,200 at 40
Cleft lip/palate risk OR 1.3 for maternal age 40+
Shoulder dystocia incidence 5-10% with macrosomia at 40
Persistent pulmonary hypertension 2x risk in SGA babies of older moms
Jaundice requiring phototherapy 15% in term neonates of 40+
Childhood leukemia relative risk 1.2-1.4 for maternal age >40
ADHD diagnosis OR 1.1 per 5-year maternal age increase peaking at 40
Cerebral palsy risk 1.5x to 2 per 1,000 at maternal 40+
Meconium aspiration syndrome 8% in post-term of older mothers

Fetal and Neonatal Outcomes Interpretation

While Mother Nature may have graciously delayed the start of this party by a few decades, she regretfully informs you that the guest list for this particular soirée now includes a slightly higher chance of uninvited chromosomal plus-ones and a few more medically complex RSVPs.

Maternal Health Risks

Miscarriage risk at age 40 is 34% for clinically recognized pregnancies per large meta-analysis
Gestational hypertension occurs in 10-15% of pregnancies at age 40 versus 5% under 35
Gestational diabetes risk doubles to 7-12% in women pregnant at 40 per CDC data
Preeclampsia incidence rises to 5-10% at maternal age 40+ from 3-4% baseline
Placenta previa risk is 1.5-2 times higher at age 40 with rates of 0.5-1%
Maternal mortality ratio at age 40+ is 3-4 times higher than under 30 at 20-30 per 100,000
Anemia prevalence during pregnancy at 40 is 25-30% due to iron demands and absorption issues
Thyroid dysfunction risk increases to 10% in pregnant women over 40
Venous thromboembolism risk triples to 1-2 per 1,000 pregnancies at age 40
Cardiac complications like peripartum cardiomyopathy occur 2x more in 40+ pregnancies at 1:3,000
Chronic hypertension pre-pregnancy at 40 increases superimposed risk to 25%
Deep vein thrombosis incidence is 2-3 per 1,000 in 40+ pregnancies
Postpartum depression rates reach 15-20% in advanced maternal age
Urinary incontinence risk post-pregnancy at 40 is 30-40%
Autoimmune disease flare like lupus occurs in 10% of 40+ pregnancies
Renal complications in pre-existing CKD rise to 20% at maternal age 40
Obesity-related complications compound to 40% morbidity at 40+ pregnancy
Mental health hospitalization postpartum is 2x higher at age 40
Breast cancer screening interference with pregnancy at 40 affects 5%
COVID-19 severe illness risk 1.5x higher in pregnant 40+ per CDC

Maternal Health Risks Interpretation

Pregnancy at forty is a masterclass in probability where Mother Nature, with her dark sense of humor, assigns you a startling number of new health concerns to manage, from your heart to your hormones, all while you're already busy growing a human.

Pregnancy Complications

Preterm birth rate at 40 is 15-20% versus 10% for younger mothers per NICHD data
Low birthweight incidence rises to 12% in pregnancies at maternal age 40
Cesarean delivery rate for first births at 40+ exceeds 50% per ACOG reports
Stillbirth risk at 40 is 1.5-2 per 1,000 ongoing pregnancies after 28 weeks
Intrauterine growth restriction affects 10-15% of fetuses of 40-year-old mothers
Multiple gestation risk with fertility treatments at 40 is 20-30% leading to complications
Oligohydramnios occurrence is 8-12% higher in advanced maternal age pregnancies
Abruption risk doubles to 1-2% at age 40 per population studies
Polyhydramnios rate increases to 3-5% in 40+ pregnancies
Cervical insufficiency risk rises to 5% requiring cerclage in some 40-year-olds
Chorionic villus sampling uptake at 40 is 5-10% for diagnosis
Amniocentesis complication rate 0.1-0.3% but recommended at 40+
Gestational trophoblastic disease risk 2x at age 40 to 1:1,000
Hyperemesis gravidarum severity increases with age 40 incidence 2%
Symphysis pubis dysfunction affects 20% of 40+ primigravidas
Braxton Hicks frequency doubles complicating monitoring at 40
Non-stress test abnormalities in 15% of 40+ third trimester pregnancies
Biophysical profile scores <8/10 in 10% at advanced age
Induction of labor rate 40-50% at 40 due to post-term concerns

Pregnancy Complications Interpretation

This collection of sobering statistics suggests that while pregnancy at forty is certainly possible, it requires one to adopt the mindset of a seasoned project manager: expecting to navigate a gauntlet of potential complications with vigilance, a touch of dark humor, and a very comprehensive birth plan.

Sources & References

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