Fertility Rates and Outcomes for Women at 40
In 2024, the U.S. birth rate for women aged 40 to 44 reached about 12.3 births per 1,000 women, according to the latest provisional data from the CDC. The live birth rate for women age 40 using their own eggs in IVF cycles is roughly 18 to 20 percent per cycle, per the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. Using donor eggs raises the live birth rate per cycle to about 50 to 55 percent at age 40. The CDC reports that preterm birth and low birth weight are more common in pregnancies after 40, and the risk of chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome increases with maternal age.
Employer fertility benefits expanded in 2024, with companies including Google, Meta, and Apple offering coverage for IVF, egg freezing, and adoption. According to a survey by Maven Clinic and Carrot Fertility, 36 percent of large U.S. employers now cover fertility treatments, up from 24 percent in 2020. The average out-of-pocket cost for one IVF cycle in the United States is about $20,000 to $25,000 before insurance, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Some states, including California, New York, and Illinois, have laws requiring insurers to cover fertility diagnostics and treatment.
Health Risks and Medical Costs at Age 40
Common Pregnancy Complications After 40
The CDC lists preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and placenta previa as conditions with higher rates in pregnancies after age 40. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that cesarean delivery rates for women over 40 exceed 50 percent in many hospitals. Prenatal genetic screening, including cell-free DNA testing and amniocentesis, is commonly recommended to assess chromosomal risk in pregnancies at age 40 and older.
Insurance and Employer Cost Trends
Employer-sponsored health plans with fertility benefits often cover a set number of IVF cycles, with annual limits ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 per family. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family health coverage in 2024 is about $25,000, with fertility services subject to specific plan limits. Companies such as Etsy, Facebook, and IBM provide supplemental fertility stipends or reimbursement programs that can reduce out-of-pocket costs for employees having babies at 40.
Financial Planning and Employer Benefits for Later Parenthood
Retirement and Savings Impact
Having a first child at age 40 can delay peak earning years and reduce retirement contributions, according to research from the National Bureau of Economic Research. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the median age of first-time mothers is now about 30, but the share of first births to women over 35 has risen steadily since 2000. Financial planners recommend increasing retirement contributions after parental leave and using flexible spending accounts for eligible fertility and childcare expenses.
Workplace Policies and Paid Leave
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 23 percent of private-industry workers had access to paid family leave in 2023, with larger firms offering more comprehensive benefits. Companies such as Patagonia, Netflix, and Microsoft provide paid parental leave that can extend to 12 to 20 weeks for new parents, including those using adoption or surrogacy. The Society for Human Resource Management notes that fertility benefits are increasingly used as a talent retention tool, especially in tech, finance,