by Judy Wellsworth
While the thought of being both menopausal and pregnant may strike fear into the hearts of millions of women, the reality is that women who had every reason to believe their childbearing years were behind them do, very rarely, become pregnant. Menopause and pregnancy, it seems, are not mutually exclusive terms, and if you think you have been taken by surprise, you should have a pregnancy test as quickly as possible.
While there is no such state as being slightly pregnant, it is possible to be slightly menopausal. Menopause and pregnancy can occur simultaneously because you may experience all the classic symptoms of menopause, including not having a period for six consecutive months, and think you have successfully negotiated the change, except that your ovaries may have been hanging on to one viable egg for sentimental reasons. They can decide to turn it lose at the worst possible time, so it's a good idea for those women who practice birth control to take nothing for granted until they are past sixty.
The Tough Decisions Menopause and pregnancy can confront women with having to make decisions which they thought they would never again have to face. A late life pregnancy can have serious health and financial consequences. And miscarriage is a real possibility for those women who conceive for the first time their forties. Menopause and pregnancy put a double strain on less-than-youthful systems, and can affect your growing baby as well. But your decision on how to proceed should remain yours alone.
Those women who have a good health history, have always received regular exercise and eaten a healthy diet, and have a solid support system have a good chance of delivering a healthy baby as the result of menopause and pregnancy. By getting gynecological help as early in the pregnancy as possible, having the baby's development monitored on a regular basis, and resorting to bed rest if necessary, women facing menopause and pregnancy will improve their chances of a successful outcome even more.
Talk To Your Gynecologist But the best answer for menopause and pregnancy is to take responsibility to see that it does not occur. Abstinence or birth control during both perimenopause--menopause's precursor--and menopause itself are the two alternatives for those who cannot afford the health and financial consequences which menopause and pregnancy might bring to them and their families. Your gynecologist is the best one to level with you about all the risks of menopause and pregnancy, and to advise you on the most effective ways to avoid it.
About the Author
You can also find more info on post menopause you and natural menopause remedies. Menopausesymptomshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Menopase Symptoms.
