This week, the world was abuzz with the news of Meghan Markle‘s pregnancy.
As a fertility doctor, I often find myself inundated with questions whenever a celebrity announces such life-changing news.
This time was no different.
The main inquiry I received was, “How is it possible for a 37-year-old to get pregnant so quickly after her wedding?”
Celebrity pregnancies can significantly impact how patients undergoing fertility treatment perceive their own journeys, particularly when the media publishes sensationalist headlines.
Phrases like “geriatric pregnancy” and claims that “her friends were shocked” at her timing only add to the confusion.
It’s hard to believe that true friends would express such sentiments.
Given the volume of questions I’ve encountered regarding Meghan’s announcement, I felt compelled to clarify some points.
It’s important to understand the factors that can contribute to a successful pregnancy, regardless of a person’s celebrity status.
To paint a clearer picture, let’s look at Meghan’s situation.
She tied the knot at 36, and fertility rates are quite favorable at this age.
Research shows that over half of women aged 36 can achieve a successful pregnancy and delivery.
Moreover, if a 36-year-old has ten eggs frozen, the odds of a live birth from those eggs is roughly 60%.
Fast forward to her current pregnancy at age 37—still well within a reasonable range for conception.
With ten frozen eggs, the live birth chances remain robust, sitting at around 50%.
It’s also relevant to note that Meghan experienced a divorce in 2013.
Around the same time I launched EggFreezingParty.com, I started addressing the critical subject of egg freezing for women considering future family planning, particularly following a split.
Who knows, maybe she attended one of these events!
In late summer, Meghan made a discreet trip to Toronto, a city where she has strong ties.
This could very well have been related to fertility treatments, given that Toronto is home to some reputable fertility clinics.
The timelines are intriguing, don’t you think?
Could it be that Meghan is in tune with fertility discussions and tuning into shows like The Egg Whisperer?
There’s a good chance she is contemplating her family goals and considering what steps are necessary to achieve them.
The conversation surrounding egg freezing is becoming increasingly common, though it’s essential to also explore embryo freezing due to its potential benefits.
Here’s the essential takeaway: whether a royal or an everyday person, there are resources available to educate yourself about fertility options.
You can assess your own fertility health and figure out how to best plan for your future family.
So, what actions can you take today?
First, it’s crucial to have your fertility checked.
If you’re unsure where to begin, my TUSHY method can provide clarity.
Many patients have benefited, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Meghan sought similar advice.
Next, consider following the Egg Whisperer D.I.E.T.
This approach is tailored to give patients the best chance of IVF success.
It’s straightforward and rooted in evidence-based practices.
Now, you’re likely pondering whether Meghan did undergo any fertility treatments.
The actual details remain opaque.
If she envisions wanting more than one child, she may have opted for egg freezing as a proactive measure.
Interestingly, a report from Radar suggests that Meghan may have mentioned to someone that she froze her eggs as a form of “insurance.”
However, I prefer to view egg freezing as a chance for future pregnancy rather than actual insurance.
It’s true that while freezing eggs improves your potential for pregnancy later on, there are no guarantees—particularly regarding human biology.
We can’t ascertain how many cycles Meghan may have gone through, nor whether she utilized IVF.
Maybe her time in Toronto was purely coincidental when it comes to her current pregnancy.
Life—and pregnancy—are rarely simple.
Yet, getting a fertility assessment and crafting a solid plan is something everyone should have access to, no matter their status.
For more discussions on similar topics, tune into The Egg Whisperer Show, which streams live on multiple platforms every Wednesday at 7 PM PST.
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