Grandmother’s Journey: Pursuing Parenthood at 48 with IVF at Tam Anh General Hospital

Ms. Lan, a 48-year-old grandmother, felt the need for more children to avoid feeling lonely as her daughter and granddaughter lived far away. She visited the Center for Reproductive Support at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi for IVF treatment with her husband. Although the doctor explained the risks of pregnancy and childbirth at an older age, Ms. Lan decided to proceed with the treatment to have another child.

Despite initial concerns from her relatives about her age and potential health risks, the doctor was able to retrieve one egg through ICSI and create a viable embryo after preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to screen for abnormalities. Ms. Lan successfully underwent the procedure but faced complications during her pregnancy including threatened miscarriages, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes.

Despite these challenges, she delivered a healthy baby girl through an emergency cesarean section. Dr. Le Hoang, the Director of IVF Tam Anh, highlighted the increasing trend of middle-aged individuals seeking assisted reproductive treatments to have more children.

While the risks of pregnancy and childbirth increase with age, advancements in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF have provided opportunities for older individuals to realize their dreams of parenthood. Dr. Hoang emphasized the importance of understanding and considering the risks associated with pregnancy at an older age, including chromosomal disorders, pregnancy complications, and birth defects.

He advised older women to prepare mentally, physically, and financially for the process and seek treatment early to mitigate risks and improve success rates.

In conclusion, Ms. Lan’s journey of IVF and pregnancy at 48 years old serves as a testament to the advances in assisted reproductive technologies and the complexities older individuals may face when pursuing parenthood. By being informed and proactive, individuals can navigate the challenges of pregnancy at an older age and increase their chances of a successful outcome.