I thought a lot about having another child, though I always dismissed it when the topic came up around friends and family.
One day I was checking my weight on the fancy scale and saw that my subcutaneous fat was suddenly high. WHAT?!? I stared at it for 10 minutes. I decided that something wasn’t right or something right was happening. With my diet, I knew that ‘fat’ wasn’t possible. I went straight to the gynaecologist after two months without checking with a home test. By then I was more aware of my body, and I knew that someone was growing in me. Even the gynaecologist was surprised when I said I hadn’t checked at home before coming to her.
So, after enjoying my pregnancy, driving around till the last month and smiling throughout, I gave birth to a baby boy on 13 April 2026. What happened during those days and how I finally delivered will come later, but for now, I think I’m ready to give you simple tips on how to stay strong and fit during your pregnancy after 40. Because I believe that if I could do it, anyone can!
PS: I’m not really encouraging women to wait till 40 to have their first child. I believe we should have kids when we are young, as we can have more time with them (if God wills). I’m only stating the facts and giving you tips to stay healthy in case you want to have more kids after you turn 40.
We know that eating healthy is a must after you turn 25. You have to have the determination to take care of yourself. There will be loads of temptations, but you have to have the willpower to stay healthy and fit, come what may. It’s the same during pregnancy, especially after 40 when your body is older and weaker.
The first rule is to keep moving. You’re not a tree, you’re not a statue, and you’re not sick. You are only pregnant. There will be heaviness, there will be aches and pains, but if you walk for at least 25 minutes a day (outdoors if possible), half your problems will be solved. Make sure you do the exercises your gynaecologist advises. Belly dance helped me in the previous pregnancy 10 years ago, but I will avoid encouraging anyone to do that after 40!
Avoid any jumping or vigorous activities like strenuous road trips, dances or playing badminton, tennis and such games, for example.
I sort of reduced my movements in my ninth month due to the heaviness. I hadn’t been 65 kgs in my life before, so I got a bit lazy. That’s when my blood pressure began climbing. As soon as I realized it, I continued my walks and exercises. So, when I was at home, my pressure was mostly normal.
And I mean, eat healthily. Everyone encourages having spicy pickles and satisfying cravings during pregnancy. Please avoid both. Pickles have loads of salt and consuming sweets is a big no-no. Hunger pangs can make you go bonkers sometimes and you tend to put anything and everything into your mouth, but be aware and mindful of what you eat.
Drink your milk, eat your fruits/veggies and don’t forget your vitamins (as prescribed by your gynaecologist). If you’re uneasy with a certain medication, inform your doctor. For example: I felt quite nauseous after taking a Livogen. So my doctor gave me a lower dosage.
If you have other ailments, your gynaecologist will instruct you on what to eat and what to avoid. Follow it to the T.
Well, drinking water is generally good for us. And during pregnancy, it will help you stay hydrated and energetic. Yes, you are probably advised to drink lots of healthy fluids. But water is the most important of them all.
Avoiding water could dry your skin and cause headaches and drowsiness.
It is important to get enough rest while carrying a human inside you. Be active but give your body the rest it needs. Take short naps if necessary. Even if you are not able to sleep, just sit down and relax your body for a few minutes. That includes keeping your mobile aside and resting your hands, too.
Overdoing things during pregnancy can cause breathlessness, dizziness, extreme fatigue, muscle pain, etc.
Pregnancy is a long journey of nine months where at times you may feel that there is no end. But the secret is to stay calm and delegate chores, prioritize responsibilities and shrink to-do lists. Keep yourself busy but try to lower expectations so that you reduce stress. Having older kids when you’re pregnant can be challenging at times. But avoid extreme emotions and yelling. Let them be or let someone else at home handle them.
Plenty of things kept me occupied in my last month (March). So, I didn’t get restless this time. Also, although several factors would have contributed to my rising blood pressure, I made sure I stayed calm and relaxed at all times. I let things go even if they would piss me off otherwise.
Embracing pregnancy after 40 is a beautiful, unique journey that reminds us just how resilient and capable our bodies truly are. While the road requires a bit more mindfulness, listening to your doctor, and prioritizing self-care, it is entirely possible to navigate these nine months with strength, vitality, and a smile. By staying active, nourishing your body, and protecting your peace of mind, you aren’t just taking care of yourself; but also building a strong foundation for your family and the beautiful new life about to enter the world.
Hey, you’ve got this, and remember: if Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Shilpa Shetty, Katrina Kaif, Neha Dupia, etc. and I could do it, you definitely can, too!
READ MORE: 5 REASONS WHY SELF-IMPROVEMENT IS IMPORTANT FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW | BLOGABERRY FOO
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23 Comments
I found this article really encouraging because it presents pregnancy after 40 through the lens of personal experience rather than fear or statistics. What stood out to me most was the simple reminder that staying active, eating mindfully, resting enough and protecting your mental peace can make such a difference. I also loved the honesty in the author’s journey—it feels less like advice being preached and more like one woman sharing what genuinely helped her.
Many congratulations once again, Cindy! I had my first pregnancy when I was 36, and I know how difficult it was. But thankfully, my dad was very supportive, and I could eat healthy, take a walk, and also, following the doctor’s orders to the T helped a lot. But I was an emotional mess due to various reasons and couldn’t enjoy this time much. Great tips from you!
For some reason, I was an emotional mess too this time, Shalini, so you’re not alone.
Hats off to you 😺
Such a warm and honest pregnancy journey. The reminders about staying active, eating mindfully, resting well, and staying calm feel practical. Your personal experience makes these tips even more encouraging.
Congratulations, Cindy! What struck me most was the honesty about that ninth-month slowdown and how quickly you course-corrected once you noticed your blood pressure creeping up. Staying calm and lowering expectations sounds simple but is honestly the hardest tip on this list. Wishing your baby boy all the health and happiness in the world 💛
Thanks, Arsh. It does sound simple but is the hardest as you said.
Brilliant article. I love to read about this journey you took
Very useful tips, Cindy. Also, I think one should get all the help and support during pregnancy, no matter what age and chill. Congratulations, once again and best wishes to the little one.
Thank you, Janaki.
Pregnancy after 40 is scary for many due to various reasons, health being the topmost. It was so brave of you to stay calm and keep a positive mindset throughout. You were glowing! Good tips here.
Thanks, Varsha!
Your post took me back to my own pregnancies. In the second one I had restricted movement and didn’t go out for a few months. It led to severe vitamin D deficiency. So my learning was that one needs to keep a close eye on nutrient intake as well.
Missed this particular train though I read this with interest !
Hearty congratulations and useful tips.
This is so helpful for woman who are focusing on their careers breaking the societal barriers and getting married late leading to late pregnancies, just because being reminded of biological clock is no more a concern.
Such an important topic to cover! Pregnancy after 40 comes with its own set of questions, and it’s so reassuring to read practical, encouraging tips like these. Staying strong and fit really does make all the difference. Thanks for putting this together. I have a girl, and I know how every pregnancy is different. Hats off to you for doing it effortlessly. Congrats on your little one 🙂
Thank you, Varsha!
I really liked the reminder to stay active, eat mindfully, rest well, and most importantly, stay calm. I’m sure your experience and these practical tips will be helpful to anyone planning a baby in their 40s
Thanks, Manali!
I am sure it would be a very encouraging post for those trying to be moms in their 40s. I feel a calm mind is very important.
Hats off to you for going in for a third child, Cindy! I was ready to have my tubes tied after the first one. I think we should write a blog for a young, undernourished mom as well. At 40, one has to take care, as you have rightly listed out, of diet, exercise, and staying calm. I was 19, 38 kgs and delivered a 4.5kg baby
Thanks, Harjeet!
You are indeed brave to take this responsibility on. I have never dared to think of bearing a child, I find it scary. And am sure your child will be happy to have such a fit mom. By the way, my father was also April 13 born, though pre independent India. 🤓
Oh Wow!! Please pray he sends his blessings to his birthday mate :))