Pregnancy during Menopause
January 18, 2010
By: Carrie E. Pierce and menopauserus.com
Carrie is also on the Panel of Experts for the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children.
Meet Carrie
Holy Smokes: Is that a STORK Heading this Way??!!
Menopause is a time of Life actually embraced by many women- and rightly so.
These women view Menopause as a fresh new beginning that affords them freedom from the disruption of monthly menstrual periods- and the accompanying fear of pregnancy that so often accompanies the monthly cycles of fertility.
However for many women, Menopause ushers in an experience that is not all that rare: the phenomenon of Menopausal Pregnancy.
‘Impossible!’ you might be muttering right about now, but au contrare mon petite: quite possible indeed…
Numerous women in their 50s have gotten pregnant- the old-fashioned natural way- while making the hormone bounce from peri-menopause to actual, official Menopause.
Granted, by the time a woman finds herself in her early 40s, her chances of becoming pregnant the natural way decline by 50%, and this percentage continues to decline with increasing age.
That being stated however, a woman is not truly infertile until she has ceased menstruating for at least 12 consecutive months.
It’s now well proven that almost 2/3rds of women in their early to mid 40s still ovulate- and regularly.
What makes this a bit frightening is that a large percentage of women in this same age range are NOT using birth control regularly, and it is at this point that natural methods such as the Rhythm method cease to be reliable.
The message to take away from all these numbers and statistics: Your risk of getting pregnant unexpectedly during peri-menopause and Menopause is actually quite real.
That should be a Word to the Wise for our gentlemen friends out there in the Dating World too: Be careful fellas- middle aged dating comes with responsibilities too!
How is pregnancy during this time even possible?
-Easy actually…
Ovulation does not immediately stop once peri-menopause/Menopause begins.
As a woman’s periods become more irregular, they are often misread as being true Menopause.
It is not until eggs totally cease being released that a woman’s ability to conceive ceases as well.
What actually happens though is that the ovaries slow down their release of eggs- but they continue to release them- sporadically. The winding down of ovulation takes time, and if birth control methods are sporadically used- or are lacking all together, these sporadically released eggs can indeed become fertilized.
Women can actually remain fertile for many years as they make the transition to Menopause.
Likewise, women who have undergone cancer treatments such as chemo and/or radiation should also be fully aware that these treatments can and often do drive the female body into a forced-though temporary- Menopausal condition. As healing is achieved and the body recovers- oftentimes fertility reappears, though birth control may or may not be employed during sexual encounters.
It’s not just shock that can accompany an unexpected pregnancy at this time. There are other risk factors that need to be considered and addressed.
Over 60% of unplanned pregnancies during this time (in women age 40-49) end in abortion.
Those pregnancies successfully carried- also bring with them risks- for both mother and baby.
Pregnancy from age 35 on brings with it risk of premature birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, Down’s syndrome, caesarean birth, gestational diabetes and miscarriage.
As you can deduce from reading the facts: this is no time to play with Mother Nature!
Happy Wednesday Broadcast- Inspirational Midweek Boost!
December 22, 2008
Happy Wednesday everyone!
Welcome to the Happy Wednesday Broadcast for
another midweek BOOST to help make your
Wednesday a “Power” day and banish “hump” day
from your life forever. And now here is your host,
the Happy Wednesday Lady, Joanie Winberg
This week’s inspirational quote-
“Family…let’s be grateful for those who
give us happiness; they are the charming
gardeners who make our soul bloom.”
~Marcel Proust
Today is Happy Wednesday…your “Power” Day.
How can you empower yourself today?
Being grateful is one of the most powerful tools
to attract more love, happiness, health and
prosperity into your life.
To build your gratitude muscle, start everyday
with three things you are grateful for, such as
your health, your family or something as simple
as the gift of a new day. To continue building
your gratitude muscle, before going to sleep,
focus on three or more positive things that
occurred doing your day.
When you focus on the positive or the good
that already exists in your life, you will
automatically start to attract more of the same.
Please share how you made your Wednesday a
“Power” day by going to
HappyWednesday.com forum. With the
Happy Wednesday Broadcast heard every week
throughout the US and in 20 other countries,
we can all make a difference together…every
Wednesday!
To assist you on how to attract more of the
good stuff into your life, now available my new book
called “Rising to the Top”- A Guide to Self
Development. For more information go to
HappyWednesday.com.
Until next week, have a Happy Wednesday!
Joanie
Joanie Winberg is a speaker/trainer, a Business/Personal Coach-specializing in Divorce, a Certified Behavior Consultant and a Certified Laughter Leader.
Joanie Winberg is the Founder of the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children. We understand the challenges of divorce. You are not alone. For more information, go to www.FreshStartAfterDivorce.com.
Five Tips on How to Deal with the Holidays after Divorce- Part II
September 12, 2008
5 Things Not To Do
Don’t let your mind work overtime
During the holidays and after divorce, it is very common for your mind to work overtime with the “what ifs” and “if onlys” as well as negative thoughts. When the holiday stress starts – reflect on your contributions to the happiness of others; a smile to a homeless person, a thank you to a colleague, a hug with your children.
Don’t isolate yourself
Especially during the holidays, surround yourself with supportive friends and family. Plan a pot luck gathering in your home and have each person bring a new friend to share the holiday spirit.
Don’t beat yourself up
After divorce, many women have the attitude that “I’m not good enough” and this feeling seems to skyrocket even more during the holidays. Be gentle with yourself! You are unique and special. There is no one else in the universe like you. Prepare to launch your new self with laughter and new intentions.
Don’t let bitterness take over
Turn your energy towards your future. Build a “dream” collage about your future and have your children do the same. Get a pile of magazines, a pair of scissors, and a glue stick…and go for it. Have some fun!
Don’t ignore your intuition
Emotions run very high during the holidays and it may seem difficult to make a decision. Listen to your heart-of-hearts. Be patient with your decisions and understand that choice is by design. Honor your sense of right and wrong and believe in who you have become.
~ Joanie Winberg
For more support and encouragement during and after divorce, visit the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children.
Five Tips on How to Deal with the Holidays after Divorce- Part I
September 11, 2008
Give yourself the gift of YOU
Re-charge your energy to lower your stress and avoid living in the “red zone” during the holiday season.
It is a must to schedule a minimum of ten minutes a day for yourself every single day to recharge your energy, even if only sitting down with a cup of tea.
Learn to let go
Throw that worn-out holiday to-do list in the nearest receptacle!
Instead focus your time and energy on planning fun activities with your children and special friends.
Start new traditions
To help move your life forward after divorce, it is important to start new holiday traditions with your children and family.
Some of the new traditions could include engaging your children to reach out to a local charity or children’s hospital and plan a daily “act of kindness.”
Focus on the positive
Start today with positive thinking and reduce those negative feelings before they overwhelm your state of mind. Pick a day to begin, and have your children identify one thing they are grateful for. Post the list on the refrigerator and let them add an item each day. A great way to start the New Year!
Be kind to Yourself
Do something special for yourself, especially during the holiday season. Go shopping and buy something just for you…not the children or the house.
Plan an evening with friends or rent a movie and relax. Embrace the goodness of your spirit and decide that you control your peacefulness.
~ Joanie Winberg
For more support and encouragement during and after divorce, visit the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children.
Are Your Emotions Affecting Your Health?
September 6, 2008
Hello,
As founder of the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children, my goal is to provide you with tools and techniques to support and encourage you during and after divorce. I have hand-selected experts from across the country that are committed to help you move your life forward and live the life you desire and deserve.
Today, I am excited to introduce Judith A. Wentzel, an EFT Coaching Specialist and one of the Panel of Experts for the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children.
Enjoy,
Joanie Winberg
Are Your Emotions Affecting Your Health?
We all have emotions, that is a given. As our day unfolds, we may experience a variety of emotions depending upon the people we interact with, the tasks we undertake, our communing and so on; all of which stimulate feelings which in turn result in emotions. What about relieving stress?
When driving to work and traffic is heavy, do you find yourself tense and anxious? If you get cut off or a driver won’t let you over when you need to change lanes, do you become enraged? At work, are your co-workers chronically complaining about their families or health issues? All of these situations add stress, anxiety and a general feeling of negativity to your life. Not a very pleasant picture. Do this on a daily basis and it is no wonder you begin to have aches, pains, stiffness, stomach trouble, etc. All related to some form of emotional stress.
Fortunately, there are alternatives; there is a bright and shiny light at the end of the tunnel. How we choose to react to these interactions will make a difference as to the affect their emotions can have on our body. We do have the option of taking control of the emotional roller coaster we are on. Having the freedom to enjoy a higher quality of life is our God given right. We just need to know how to relieve stress, anxiety, fear, frustration and a host other negative emotions in our life.
Power Partnerships, Your Key to Exponential Growth
September 2, 2008
Hello,
As founder of the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children, my goal is to provide you with tools and techniques to support and encourage you during and after divorce. I have hand-selected experts from across the country that are committed to help you move your life forward and live the life you desire and deserve.
Today, I am excited to introduce Denise Trifiletti, founder of WomensCommunity.com and one of the Panel of Experts for the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children.
Enjoy,
Joanie Winberg
Power Partnerships, Your Key to Exponential Growth
Are you struggling trying to keep all of the aspects of your business operating smoothly while meeting the needs of your family and others that rely on you?
Is there a way for you to have time for you, to focus on what you enjoy, and to find partners to help you GROW your business and to live the life you love?
I believe that the key to growing your career or business and to living the life you love is knowing how to form partnerships.
I define a “partnership” as a relationship where two or more people or organizations come together to accomplish “all-win” outcomes. They achieve greater results together than they can individually. And, their results can be personal, professional or both. Power partnerships are those that make a significant impact on your life or your company’s bottom line.
Menopause in a Positive Way
August 31, 2008
Hello,
As founder of the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children, my goal is to provide you with tools and techniques to support and encourage you during and after divorce. I have hand-selected experts from across the country that are committed to help you move your life forward and live the life you desire and deserve.
Today, I am excited to introduce Cathy Taylor, a marketing consultant, a freelance writer and one of the Panel of Experts for the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children.
Enjoy,
Joanie Winberg
Menopause in a Positive Way!
For some women, menopause is a blessing; for others, it’s a continuation of the curse.
It depends upon one’s point of view. So, how is it possible to accept menopause in a positive way?
Every woman reacts differently to this mid-life change. Some view it as a “new lease on life,” encompassing all of the physical, emotional, and sexual freedom associated with it. It is a time when a lot of a woman’s lifelong responsibilities change and possibly new ones begin.
Other women feel it to be a sad end to that part of life that was, to them, extremely fulfilling and nurturing. Being a mother is a large part of the majority of women’s identity. It can be very difficult to let go of.
Divorce: Why Going to an Attorney is the Last Thing You Should Do
August 29, 2008
Hello,
As founder of the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children, my goal is to provide you with tools and techniques to support and encourage you during and after divorce. I have hand-selected experts from across the country that are committed to help you move your life forward and live the life you desire and deserve.
Today, I am excited to introduce and one of the Panel of Experts for the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children.
Enjoy,
Joanie Winberg
Divorce: Why Going to an Attorney is the Last Thing You Should Do
As a family law attorney for over 35 years, I tell you that unless you face an emergency running to an attorney should be the last thing you do. Retaining an attorney before you are informed and prepared is the most common cause of unnecessary suffering and expense. This is because the legal system and lawyers who work in it are a primary source of increased conflict and expense.
I am not saying you should never get help from an attorney, but that it should not be the first thing you do, or the second, or the third. There are some important things you should do first–things that will save you a lot of time, trouble and money.
If you do go to an attorney, it should only be after you have read the simple but essential information and advice in Make Any Divorce Better.
Three Ways to Use Your Present Moments
August 27, 2008
Happy Wednesday Everyone!
Empower Yourself Every Wednesday
Be part of the movement that is sweeping the nation…the world! How can you empower yourself and make a difference? Start by committing every Wednesday to do at least one of the following:
- Do an act of kindness
- Forgive someone- make amends with a relationship gone sour
- Call someone and tell them how much you appreciate them
- Do one good thing for yourself
- Have Fun!
Committing to empower yourself every Wednesday will help keep you in high spirits everyday of the week. Plus, imagine if we were all making a difference together every Wednesday, what an IMPACT that would have on the world.
The Happy Wednesday Broadcast inspirational midweek BOOST will help make your Wednesday a “Power” day and banish “hump” day from your life forever.
Today’s Message
Three Ways to Use Your Present Moments
~ Spencer Johnson
To listen to today’s message…
1) Be in the Present
When you want to be happy and successful…
Focus on what is right now.
Use your purpose to respond
To what is now.
2) Learn form the Past
When you want to make the present better than the past…
Look at what happened in the past.
Learn something valuable from it.
Do things differently in the present.
3) Plan for the Future
When you want to make the future better than the present…
See what a wonderful future would look like.
Make plans to help it happen.
Put your plan into action in the present.
“Success is Becoming Who You are Capable of Being.
And Progressing Toward Worthwhile Goals.
Each of Us Defines For Ourselves What it Means to be Successful.”
To learn more about powerful tools to help eliminate harmful
stress and bring more joy and happiness into your life, go to
http://www.HappyWednesday.com
This is Joanie Winberg, The Happy Wednesday Lady
See you next week!
During and after divorce is a very challenging time in a
person’s life. For more information go to the 24/7 Resource Center-
The National Association of Divorce for Women and Children http://www.FreshStartAfterDivorce.com/
Joanie’s passion is to not only to survive divorce, but thrive through divorce!
Lesser of Two Evils
August 25, 2008
Hello,
As founder of the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children, my goal is to provide you with tools and techniques to support and encourage you during and after divorce. I have hand-selected experts from across the country that are committed to help you move your life forward and live the life you desire and deserve.
Today, I am excited to introduce Nancy Michaels, Creator of Suddenly Single Retreats and one of the Panel of Experts for the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children.
Enjoy,
Joanie Winberg
The Lesser of Two Evils
I was recently having lunch with the 70-year-old woman who has taken care of my three children since we adopted my oldest daughter Chloe, 12 years ago. She shared an important insight on a possible contributing factor regarding the demise of my marriage — and, for a moment, it stopped me in my tracks. She said, “Nancy, I don’t think he (meaning my ex-husband) could handle your accomplishments — it was too much for him.”
Too much for him? What was too much for him?
Rarely am I rendered speechless, but it had come up a few days earlier from a close girlfriend of mine who made a similar comment about a relationship I had entered into this past summer and fall that had ended badly and left me with a broken heart. She attempted to explain to me that “this is a big year for him professionally, and I think he’s concerned that you might be a distraction and I think he’s afraid you’d take away some of the attention he might receive this year.”
Um, really? Could there be any truth to these observations? I wasn’t completely convinced.
Single Again! Now What?- Life After Divorce- Part II…How to Rediscover Your True Passion
- Life After Divorce-Part I…How to Rediscover Your True Passion
- Your Life Purpose
- Single Again! Now What? Blog
- If you are are a single mom or dad..
- Divorce is an Emotional Roller Coaster Ride
- How to Increase Your Odds of Staying Married the Second Time
- Divorced-Parenting Challenge: Nurturing Your Child’s Spirit Through the Process
- Support for Single Again Women and Single Moms
- Pregnancy during Menopause
-
Connect With Us:
Joanie's passion is to help women to regain their confidence, build self-esteem and create a foundation of life skills. She is also the author of Rising to the Top, A Guide to Self Development, a Certified Human Behavior Consultant, and a Business/Personal Consultant specializing in divorce.