More Older Women Having Babies, UK

Featured Article
Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Article Date: 09 May 2006 - 0:00 PDT


According to data from the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority, UK, in 1992 only one woman over 50 had a baby, in 2002 the number went up to 24. All the 24 woman underwent IVF treatment.

The National Health Service of the UK only provides free IVF treatment for women up to the age of 39. Any woman over that age has to pay. There is no age limit for IVF in Britain; the decision on whether to treat or not is left up to doctors.

In 1992 - 2,360 babies were born as a result of IVF treatment. In 2002 the number rose to 7,740.

Below are some figures showing the rise in the number of older women receiving IVF treatment and having babies:

-- 1992 --
Age 40-44 -- IVF Treatment - 1,438 -- Babies born - 77
Age 45-49 -- IVF Treatment - 140 -- Babies Born - 15

-- 2002 --
Age 40-44 -- IVF Treatment - 7,700 -- Babies born - 524
Age 45-49 -- IVF Treatment - 595 -- Babies Born - 106
Age Over 50 -- IVF Treatment - 96 -- Babies born - 24

Older women who get pregnant have a higher risk of stroke, diabetes, hypertension, multiple births, heart attack and pre-eclampsia. When a doctor decides to treat an older woman with IVF, he/she has to consider the woman's state of health carefully.

Last week a 63-year-old woman from Lewes, East Sussex, England, announced that she is pregnant.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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