Menopause risk: Just over one in 20 crisis pregnancies occur to women aged 36 to 44 and many of these women become pregnant because of a mistaken belief that they are unlikely to conceive because of the menopause.
The Crisis Pregnancy Agency (CPA) is targeting older sexually active women with the aim of informing and supporting those who have an unplanned pregnancy. Unplanned pregnancies occur for many reasons but a recent study of contraception use in Ireland found that over 20 per cent of women in the 36-45 age group don't use contraceptives because they believe they are unlikely to conceive because of the menopause.
"Older women are not one homogenous group. They can be married with children and believe their family is complete; single lone parents; separated with children; or single and childless.
Research commissioned by the CPA indicates many women in this age group mistakenly believe themselves to be infertile due to the menopause and are consequently not using contraception," said Olive Braiden, chairwoman of the CPA.
"There can be an information gap on contraceptive choices for older women too," said Bridget Sheeran, community midwife in west Cork. "Older women are aware that the risk factors associated with contraceptives go up with age, particularly if they have high blood pressure or abnormal smear tests. Younger women are more able to make an informed choice on contraception."
The CPA has also found that older women have different attitudes and needs than younger women when it comes to dealing with a crisis pregnancy. "We have found older women say that there is pressure for them to cope and get on with it. That when faced with a crisis pregnancy, they need counselling and independent impartial advice on all their options rather than medical information," said Caroline Spillane from the CPA.
"Evidence suggests that when faced with a crisis pregnancy, older women chiefly worry about responsibilities to their other children and their husband/partner and the impact of the pregnancy on their health. Coping emotionally and financially are other issues - particularly for a woman who may be raising the child alone," said Ms Braiden.
Research studies suggest that those with unplanned pregnancies are at a higher risk of suffering from post-natal depression.
The CPA is concerned that mature women may not be aware how crisis pregnancy counselling services can help alleviate some of these worries. The agency's positive options campaign provides a list of free countrywide crisis pregnancy counselling services. See www.positiveoptions.ie
