A TikTok mom known only by the name Em has shared that she achieved her ultimate dream of having more kids and didn't expect to have two pregnancies while going through menopause.
Em said she felt blessed and lucky to get pregnant at 48 and 49 years old, per The Mirror. She has an older son, 19, who is such a wonderful big brother to her daughters.
The mother, now 52, has been sharing her life as an older mom on the video-sharing platform. Despite the age and the struggles of keeping up with her children's energy, Em said she's still enjoying every second of motherhood as a woman in her 50s.
@emmoments I need chat friends! Seriously. To keep me awake! #babiestiktok #over50andfabulous ♬ original sound - Tik Toker
Followers applaud the TikTok mom
Em has been receiving a lot of praise and support for opening up about her life as an older parent with babies. One mom said that she's 52 years old and cannot imagine going through the joys and pains of caring for a baby again, but she loves being a grandmother.
Another follower said she's 43 and eager to get married so she can have more babies. She told Em that her videos inspire her because they show that anything is possible in life.
One follower shared that she has older parents who are living such healthy lives that they are now watching and experiencing their grandchildren grow up. On the other hand, a 51-year-old commenter said that she misses having babies because all her kids are grown, according to The Sun.
In another TikTok video, Em said that she's soaking motherhood slowly, especially with her youngest child. She makes it a point never to miss a single moment with her and relishes every simple moment.
@emmoments #momsover50 ♬ original sound - robert_ray_edwards
Risks of pregnancy while going through menopause
But not all of the reactions are positive. Em has been told she's crazy for still having kids while going through menopause.
There are many risks associated with a pregnancy during this phase. Menopausal moms risk developing high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or placenta previa. They could also miscarry or have an emergency cesarian birth.
On the other hand, their babies may be born premature or have a low birth weight, which may be linked to further complications. The baby may have developmental disabilities as well. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the chances of 45-year-old moms giving birth to a baby with Down syndrome is one in 35.
However, some pregnancy experts believe there's no more medical reason to prevent menopausal women from having babies. These days, they can benefit from technological advances, allowing them to have kids in their 50s.
While the ovaries and the reproductive system are impacted by menopause, fertility treatments and even egg donation may help fulfill a mother's dreams. Instead, the question to ask older moms is if they are still willing and able to tend to babies.
