Getting pregnant when you’re over 60 is rare because most women experience menopause between the ages of 45-55.
However, menopause can start earlier or later, influenced by genetics, lifestyle and overall health.
Every woman’s experience is unique, so it’s important to be mindful of your own body’s signs.
Suni Palms, a lifestyle content creator, shocked the internet when she shared videos of her mom, Judy, who is 64 and pregnant.
At first, people thought it was a skit but Judy took a pregnancy test and went to the doctor to confirm.
When Palms asked her mother how she felt about having a baby, she indicated that she not sure if she wanted to keep it.
“It is unbelievable. What am I going to do? I don’t know what to do. I’m getting an abortion. I’m too old,” said Judy.
@suni_palms Part 1: Pregnant at 64
As if dealing with pregnancy at 64 was not stressful enough, she had to deal with her baby daddy, who had gone awol on her.
“I need to talk to you, but you’re ignoring me. I’m trying to let you know what’s going on, but you aren’t answering your phone, you have not been answering, so I’m out here looking for you,” said the expectant mother in a video she recorded, hoping it would reach her baby daddy.
After the back and forth, Reggie, the baby daddy, denied impregnating Judy.
“I don’t think I can handle no babies, Judy. Come on now, Judy,” said Reggie.
The frustrated Judy added how angry she was with Reggie, who is denying the pregnancy and suggested they do a DNA test.
Since Judy is in her first trimester, they have to wait a little while to do a DNA test. Palms’ followers were intrigued for the next update of Judy’s pregnancy.
With Judy being pregnant at 64 it is safe to say that she has not yet reached menopause because, according to Integrative Hormone Expert Kerri-Lee Taylor, women who have reached menopause cannot get pregnant naturally.
“Once a woman has reached menopause, which is defined as going 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, she can no longer get pregnant naturally.
“This is because her ovaries have stopped releasing eggs, and hormone levels that support ovulation and menstruation have significantly decreased,” explained Taylor.
“However, during perimenopause, the phase leading up to menopause, pregnancy is still possible because ovulation can still occur, though it may be irregular. Women in perimenopause who wish to avoid pregnancy should continue using contraception until they have reached full menopause.”
What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause is a transitional time that leads to menopause. Whereas menopause is when your body stops producing eggs, and some of the symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes.
To manage these symptoms, Taylor encourages women to increase their intake of fibre-rich foods and fermented foods like yoghurt or sauerkraut for probiotics and to stay well-hydrated.