Erin Andrews is aiming for baby number two.
This week, the seasoned sportscaster shared that at 47, she’s not slowing down when it comes to building her family and is planning to attempt IVF once more.
“I may seem a bit out there, but I spoke with my doctor, and they mentioned, ‘We’ll reach out when the moment is right.’ Here I am, feeling a bit frantic,” Andrews said during her recent podcast episode with co-host Carissa Thompson on “Let’s Settle Down with Erin and Carissa.”
She believes in her body’s potential, noting, “I think I know the age factor isn’t great for egg production or viability.”
Andrews has faced several challenges throughout her life, including a significant health scare. Diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016, this setback potentially impacted her chances of conceiving naturally. However, she and her husband, former hockey player Jarrett Stoll, had previously frozen embryos for future pregnancy attempts.
After enduring two surgeries to clear the cancer and several unsuccessful IVF rounds, the couple welcomed their son, Mac, via a surrogate in 2023. Now, she’s determined to provide him with a sibling.
Her first IVF attempt “didn’t go well,” but Andrews remains optimistic. “There’s this little voice in me saying, ‘Just wait and see. I can do this.'”
As she begins this new IVF journey, it’s worth noting how fertility can be affected by age.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause is a natural phase when the ovaries stop producing reproductive hormones.
A woman is considered to be in menopause after going 12 months without a period. In the U.S., this typically occurs around age 52.
Menopause doesn’t hit abruptly; it’s often preceded by a transition called perimenopause, which can kick in 8 to 10 years earlier as estrogen levels start to decline.
This phase usually begins in a woman’s 40s and can come with symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.
Fertility and Pregnancy in Your 40s
It’s a common misconception that having a period means you can still get pregnant. Dr. Jamie Knopman, a reproductive endocrinologist, clarifies, “Just because you have regular periods doesn’t guarantee fertility.” Quite unfortunately, fertility declines before periods cease altogether.
Pregnancy Chances After 40
Think of approaching age 40 like navigating a ski resort. You might start on the easy slopes and gradually tackle tougher ones. At 43, it’s like calling for ski patrol—very few can handle that descent, according to Knopman.
As women age, the health and quantity of eggs diminish, making viable embryos harder to obtain. Still, getting pregnant in your 40s isn’t impossible, and IVF can enhance those chances.
Knopman emphasizes that having good-quality embryos significantly increases the odds of a successful pregnancy. If Andrews and Stoll hadn’t preserved their embryos when they were younger, their chances of a successful IVF outcome would have likely decreased.
She adds, “At this age, the success rate is under 2%. While success isn’t impossible, it is unlikely.” Andrews’ proactive approach may give her better odds.
Risks of Pregnancy Over 40
When it comes to pregnancy over 40, risks increase for both mother and baby. These can include gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, along with higher chances of premature birth or low birth weight.
Nevertheless, consistent prenatal care can effectively manage many of these risks. “For patients over 42, I often recommend consulting a high-risk obstetrician for pre-conception counseling,” Knopman explains, emphasizing the importance of addressing risks before pregnancy.
