Pregnancy After 40: My Unexpected Blessing, Endometriosis Journey & Motherhood Season

Megan Olinger
Apr 29
4 min read

There are moments in life when God gently reminds us that His plans are greater than our own.

At almost 42 years old, I found out I’m pregnant with my fifth baby.

Baby number five. Fifth time’s a charm for a girl? Maybe. Maybe not. I still don’t know the gender yet, but what I do know is this baby is already deeply loved and fully part of God’s beautiful plan for our family.

My Long Road to Pregnancy with Endometriosis

For years, getting pregnant did not come easily for me. I know it seems strange saying that considering I have 4 kids. With my last 3 (all 4-5 years apart) it was those 4-5 years of struggle to get pregnant.

I struggled with Stage 4 endometriosis, a painful condition that can affect fertility and make everyday life difficult. There were seasons when I felt discouraged, confused, and emotionally worn down.

I reached the point of considering IVF, wondering if that would be the only path forward.

But in my case, what I truly needed was surgery.

I needed a skilled doctor to go in, clean everything out, remove what shouldn’t be there, and help put things back together again so my body could function the way it was designed to.

That surgery gave me hope.

Sometimes the breakthrough we’re praying for doesn’t come the way we expected—but it still comes.

The Surprise of Baby #5

This pregnancy was completely unexpected.

I had recently taken a test that showed signs of perimenopause. Between that and years of endometriosis pain, I assumed my fertility journey was likely behind me.

Then life took another turn. Due to insurance changes, I stopped receiving my birth control. During that time off of it, I noticed something surprising:

I felt happier. More content. Less frustrated. More like myself.

When I resumed taking it, I quickly realized how much it had been affecting my hormones, my emotions, and my overall sense of well-being.

So I made the decision to stop.

Honestly, I thought there was no way I’d get pregnant. It had been more than three years since my last surgery. I assumed everything was “messed up in there again,” especially because I still had endometriosis pain.

But then…

Two periods came. The third never did.

And just like that—Baby #5.

A Gift I Didn’t Plan, But God Did

This baby wasn’t in my timeline.

This baby wasn’t in my carefully thought-out plan.

This baby is a reminder that life is not always about what we organize, predict, or control.

Sometimes the greatest blessings arrive unexpectedly.

This child is a gift from God. Proof that His will is better than mine. Proof that He still writes beautiful stories in seasons we thought were ending.

To the Mother Who Is Waiting

If you are struggling to conceive, I see you.

If you’re grieving negative tests, doctor visits, hormones, surgeries, or waiting longer than you hoped, you are not alone.

Your story matters. Your pain matters. And your hope is not wasted.

To the Mother Facing Pregnancy Over 40

If you’re navigating a pregnancy later in life, wondering if your body can do this again, feeling excited and nervous all at once, I understand that too.

Pregnancy after 40 can come with extra emotions, extra appointments, and extra thoughts.

But it can also come with deeper gratitude, stronger perspective, and a softer appreciation for every kick, every milestone, and every moment.

How God Keeps Filling My Cup

One of the greatest gifts in this season has been my daily conversations with God.

Not polished prayers. Not perfect words.

Just honest moments.

Talking to Him when I’m tired. Thanking Him when I’m grateful. Leaning on Him when I feel uncertain.

And somehow, every time, He keeps filling my cup.

He gives me strength for today. Peace for tomorrow. And joy for the journey.

Encouragement for Moms in Every Season

Whether you’re trying to conceive, raising toddlers, expecting unexpectedly, or starting over again in motherhood.. You are seen. You are capable. You are loved. And God is with you in every season.

Favorite Pregnancy Essentials for Moms Over 40

(Always check with your healthcare provider before using products during pregnancy.)

Prenatal Support

One of the first things I started researching in this pregnancy was prenatal vitamins. There are so many options on the market, and I quickly learned that not all prenatals are created equal.

Something that stood out to me was the difference between folate and folic acid.

Folic acid is the synthetic version often found in many standard vitamins.
Folate is the naturally occurring, more bioavailable form that many moms prefer when choosing a cleaner prenatal.

Many women specifically look for prenatals made with methylated folate (5-MTHF) instead of folic acid, along with high-quality ingredients and fewer unnecessary fillers.

For me, I wanted to be mindful of what I was putting into my body and look for options that felt supportive and clean during pregnancy.

When shopping for prenatals, many moms choose options that include:

Folate instead of folic acid
DHA for baby’s brain development
Iron (if recommended by your provider)
Choline
Clean ingredient labels
Third-party testing when available I personally love the PinkStork brand!

Helpful Prenatal Essentials

Comfort Must-Haves

As our bodies work overtime growing little lives, comfort matters.

Wellness Favorites

Small habits can make a big difference in how you feel physically and emotionally.

New Baby Prep

Getting ready for baby can be joyful and practical at the same time.

Let’s Chat, Mama 💛

Have you experienced pregnancy after infertility? Are you expecting after 40? Did you ever receive a surprise blessing baby?

Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it.