Over 40 Fabulous and Pregnant

113. When Jeani scheduled a doctor's visit to address hot flashes, night sweats, and an elevated FSH level, she assumed she was simply following in the footsteps of her mother and sisters who had all entered early menopause. Instead, a routine ultrasound revealed a dislodged IUD, and a month later, on September 11th, a positive pregnancy test that quite literally left her weak in the knees. At 43 years old, with her oldest daughter on the cusp of high school graduation, Jeani found herself forced to completely rewrite the blueprint for her upcoming retirement years. In this episode, she dives deep into the complex, heavy emotions that followed, bravely uncovering the profound sense of shame and unworthiness she carried throughout her pregnancy as she struggled to accept a gift she felt she hadn't planned for or deserved.
Jeani pulls no punches when discussing the distinct physical and emotional differences of carrying a baby in her 40s versus her 20s. From an early fetal viability scare and a whole new level of bone-deep exhaustion to a sudden preeclampsia diagnosis at 38 weeks, her path to the delivery room required total mental endurance. She walks listeners through her intense, multi-hour induction in Sioux Falls, detailing the physical agony of a grueling hour-and-a-half push to deliver a sunny-side-up baby—and the incredible labor positioning trick from a seasoned nurse that finally brought her son safely to her chest. Looking back with a heart full of grace, Jeani shares an emotional message for other women navigating later-in-life motherhood, wishing she could tell her pregnant self to banish the embarrassment, accept the support of a baby shower, and fully celebrate the beautiful disruption of a mid-life miracle.
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112. Dr. Stephanie Gray, a functional medicine practitioner, nurse practitioner, and author of Your Fertility Blueprint. After navigating a complex, 10-year secondary infertility battle that involved eight IUIs, two out-of-state surgeries for endometriosis, and a devastating standstill with multiple failed euploid embryo transfers, Stephanie had to become her own medical detective. She shares how she used PubMed research to advocate for her own health, eventually uncovering a chronic, low-grade uterine infection (endometritis) from a previous birth and a silent blood clotting condition that conventional doctors completely missed.
Stephanie shares the powerful cross-section where conventional reproductive endocrinology and functional medicine meet. Dr. Gray explains why she believes the global decline in fertility is being heavily driven by a toxic world, touching on environmental toxins, soil depletion, and EMF radiation. She also shares the exact high-dose antioxidant protocol she used to achieve an incredible 60% euploid embryo rate at age 39. From the traumatic reality of surviving a life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage to navigating a high-risk pregnancy with placenta previa, Stephanie’s story is a masterclass in patient self-advocacy. Tune in to discover the practical, root-cause steps you can take to optimize your egg quality and uterine environment, and get a heavy dose of encouragement to trust your intuition when something doesn't feel right.
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111. Journalist and mental strength trainer, Bettina Gordon shares the raw truth about being ambivalent about kids for years, dealing with a year of unprotected sex where nothing happened, and the exact tipping point that shifted her mindset from fearing a loss of freedom to embracing motherhood at 44. If you’ve ever felt crushed by the loud outside noise telling you you're running out of time, Bettina’s story is the ultimate proof that your mindset dictates your reality, not a number on a calendar.
Bettina breaks down the fascinating science of biological versus chronological age, proving why fertility is simply an extension of your overall system, not an isolated ticking clock. From discovering her pregnancy in a majestic alpine hut on a mountain peak to navigating a 100% natural, unmedicated hospital birth run by midwives, Bettina's journey is a masterclass in trusting your intuition. You'll walk away knowing exactly how women in their 40s possess the ultimate superpower for motherhood, how to actively lower your biological age through five foundational lifestyle pillars, and why you should never give your power away to a medical system that relies on outdated statistics.
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110. Kezia, Mandy, and Carly join us to share their deeply personal experiences with trying to conceive in their 40s. The conversation cuts through the noise of societal "age limits" and the buzzword of perimenopause, replacing clinical statistics with radical authenticity. From overcoming health hurdles like endometriosis and emergency surgeries to navigating the complexities of vasectomy reversals and secondary infertility, these women open up about the "aha moments" that reignited their desire for motherhood and the mental fortitude required to stay the course when the world says it’s too late.
The episode goes beyond the physical journey, diving into the spiritual and emotional shifts that occur during this "second chapter" of life. Listeners will hear a raw look at the daily realities of "workbench sex," the solitary grief of a negative pregnancy test, and the life-changing impact of finding a supportive community. Whether discussing the nuances of breastfeeding while trying to conceive or the importance of trusting one's inner intuition, Kezia, Mandy, and Carly offer a defiant and hopeful perspective. They remind us that the journey isn't just about the outcome, but about the resilience, education, and empowerment found along the way.
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109. Jaclyn shares her incredible 12-year gap between children. Jaclyn opens up about the grueling process of IUI and IVF, the emotional toll of a negative pregnancy tests and secondary infertility. She shares how leaving a high-stress 60-hour work week and moving to a new city created the space for a surprise pregnancy just weeks after her 40th birthday.
We also dive into the practical realities of being a "geriatric" pregnant woman, from managing extreme nausea and low iron to the logistics of a scheduled C-section during COVID. Jaclyn shares why she chose to embrace a more relaxed parenting style the second time around. Whether you are currently in the thick of infertility or navigating a large age gap between your kids, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late for a new chapter.
Get the resources, transcript and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode109/
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