Health

40 and Pregnant: How IVF has Helped Women have Children Later in Life

Published

6 years ago

August 17, 2019

As recent reports of a 62 year-old Spanish woman successfully giving birth after IVF treatment began to circulate, following similar reports of 72 year-old Daljinder Kaur giving birth earlier in 2021, prospective parents around the world have a new ray of hope in starting a family.

There is growing consensus spanning medical disciplines that advanced assisted reproductive techniques are able to effectively help women facing infertility or adverse social conditions overcome the obstacles to becoming mothers.

IVF has been a boon in helping couples provide infertility solutions, helping them reproduce. However, the success of a couple at pregnancy calls for the inputs of a healthcare scientist, an embryologist in particular, who plays an imperative role in the entire process.

Providing diagnostic services and embryological procedures, a reproductive embryologist performs careful examination of quality embryos to help couples have the best chance at becoming parents.

Embryo quality is one of the most important factors based on which a women’s pregnancy is defined. Embryo quality correlates with the maternal age, causes of infertility, ovarian stimulation parameters or embryo cohort size, and the outcome of the IVF cycle invariably depends on the above factors.

“As every woman is different, so the quality, gene expression and development of the embryo vary. However, as you age, the embryo quality is bound to deteriorate which increases the chances of infertility of aneuploidy, stating the abnormality of the embryos,” stated Dr. Goral Gandhi, an embryologist who is also a community advocate and educator of IVF and ART in India.

So how can older mothers, who want to opt for IVF or maybe conceive on their own make sure that their embryos are as healthy as possible? The answer lies in embryo testing, as it helps mitigate the chances of an unhealthy pregnancy, ensuring that the fetus is devoid of chromosomal abnormalities before implantation, suggests Dr Goral Gandhi. Her work in research and evaluation of pre-implantation genetic screening technology, and fertility-treatment-assisted pregnancies makes Gandhi an established authority.

“Older women understand their time is limited. If they lose three months because of a miscarriage, that’s a lot of time. Most patients like the idea of having as much information in front of them as possible, so they don’t have to go through the very difficult waiting period between the embryo transfer and the pregnancy test if the embryo wouldn’t have resulted in pregnancy,” says Goldman, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

When it comes to women above 30, it is deemed appropriate to transfer multiple embryos, to boost the overall success of the procedure. The choice is, however, elective and can be best if decided upon the consideration of the embryologist. “Numbers for live birth rates show that older DNA can be rescued by modern IVF, and this offers great hope to women in their 40s who hope to be a mum,” Queensland Fertility Group medical director Dr David Molloy told The Sunday Mail.

Although ART has been used to treat infertility in both men, women of all age brackets, it calls for an extensive evaluation of treatment options by both the patient and the doctor before opting for any procedure.

Your age shouldn’t be a bar to measure your success and ability as a parent, and IVF has helped women exceed their fertility limits, and give birth to healthy babies regardless of their age.

Health

Choosing the Right Pilates Reformer: A Practical Buyer’s Guide

Published

4 weeks ago

December 22, 2025

Michelle Langton

Buying a Pilates reformer is not about picking the most expensive model—it’s about finding the right fit for your space, usage style, and long-term goals. Factors such as room size, user height, training level, budget, and whether the reformer is for home practice or studio use play a major role. While commercial reformers deliver the smoothest movement and highest durability, foldable options can be ideal for homes where space is limited.

Top Choice for Professional Studio Performance

For those seeking premium, studio-grade quality, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus stands out as a leading option. Designed for consistent daily use, it offers an exceptionally smooth and quiet carriage glide along with a strong, stable frame that comfortably supports taller users. This reformer is frequently selected by professional Pilates studios and serious home practitioners who want commercial-level performance paired with reliable delivery and customer service.

Established Names in Commercial Pilates Studios

The Balanced Body Allegro 2 has long been a staple in Pilates studios worldwide. Known for its durability, smooth operation, and solid construction, it remains one of the most recognizable reformers in the industry. Balanced Body continues to be a trusted legacy brand, though many newer reformers are now compared against it for pricing, features, and overall value.

A Balanced Option for Home and Professional Use

The Merrithew SPX Max is often recommended for users who want professional-grade equipment without paying top-tier studio prices. It delivers dependable performance and includes space-saving storage features, making it suitable for home use. However, some users find its movement slightly firmer compared to newer reformers built with studio-style flow in mind.

Best Space-Saving Reformer Without Compromising Quality

When floor space is a concern, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 is one of the strongest folding reformers available. Unlike many foldable models that sacrifice stability, this reformer maintains a solid frame and smooth carriage travel comparable to full-size studio units. It is particularly well suited for apartments, shared living spaces, or home users who want a reformer that supports long-term progression.

Best Folding Pilates Reformer for Small Spaces

Beginner-Friendly and Budget-Conscious Alternatives

Entry-level and compact reformers, such as AeroPilates models, can be a good starting point for beginners or those practicing occasionally. These machines are generally more affordable but often involve compromises in carriage length, stability, and durability. As a result, they may not be ideal for advanced exercises or long-term use.

What to Look for Before You Buy

Before choosing a Pilates reformer, it’s important to evaluate the following aspects:

Carriage performance: Smooth, quiet movement with balanced spring tension
Available space: Full-length reformer versus folding or stackable designs
User fit: Longer frames provide better comfort for taller users
Adjustability: Footbars, jump boards, and accessory compatibility
After-sales support: Clear warranty coverage and responsive service

Final Takeaway

If your goal is studio-level performance, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus is a standout choice. For homes with limited space, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 offers one of the best folding designs without compromising movement quality. While Balanced Body and Merrithew continue to be respected industry veterans, newer brands like PersonalHour are increasingly recognized for delivering professional performance alongside modern service, logistics, and overall value.

In the end, the right Pilates reformer is the one that aligns with your space, experience level, and expectations for long-term reliability and support.