What if the symptoms you dismissed as “just getting older” were actually the signs of a miracle pregnancy you never thought possible? Discover how Stefanie and Jackie navigated the shock and joy of expecting at 40—including one incredible story of a natural pregnancy that stayed hidden until 18 weeks.
On episode 32, Can you really have a surprise, spontaneous pregnancy at 40 after years of fertility struggles? In this episode, we dive into the “other half” of two incredible journeys that prove the road to motherhood over 40 is rarely a straight line. First, you’ll hear from Stefanie, a consultant from Texas who has two kids, her previous via IVF and was shocked to discover she had conceived naturally. Her story is a jaw-dropper—she didn’t even realize she was pregnant until she was 18 weeks along, having initially dismissed her symptoms as just the side effects of “getting older” and a busy life.
Alongside Stefanie, we feature Jackie, who shares her own unique perspective on navigating the emotional and medical landscape of being 40 and pregnant. Whether you are currently in the thick of IVF, considering donor eggs, or hoping for a natural miracle of your own, these two stories offer a powerful dose of hope and reality. Tune in to hear how these women navigated the surprises, the symptoms, and the joys of late-stage pregnancy, proving that your “advanced maternal age” is just the beginning of a beautiful new chapter.
About the Guests
Stefanie Collier is a professional consultant based in Texas and a mother who understands the complexities of the fertility world firsthand. After successfully navigating the IVF process for her first child, she was stunned to discover she had conceived naturally at age 40. Her story is a powerful reminder that the body can still surprise us, especially after she spent nearly half her pregnancy unaware she was expecting. Stefanie brings a grounded, relatable perspective to the “miracle” narrative, sharing the raw reality of balancing a career and a sudden second pregnancy.
Connect with Stefanie:
- Instagram: @stefaniejonescollier
Jackie Newman joins the conversation to share the “other half” of the journey to motherhood at 40. Her experience highlights the emotional landscape of being an expectant mother later in life and the unique considerations that come with a 40+ pregnancy. Jackie’s story offers a complementary look at the perseverance required to navigate the medical milestones and personal shifts that define the “Over 40 and Fabulous” experience.
Connect with Jackie:
- Instagram: @jackie_newman_1217
Key Topics
- The Surprise Natural Pregnancy: Stefanie’s incredible story of conceiving naturally at 40 after previously using IVF for her first child.
- The “Symptoms” Misconception: How Stefanie mistook early pregnancy signs for the general aches and pains of “getting older” until she was 18 weeks along.
- Navigating the Medical System at 40: Both women discuss the reality of being labeled “Advanced Maternal Age” and how that shaped their prenatal care.
- Emotional Resilience: Moving from the structured, clinical world of fertility treatments to the unexpected shock of a spontaneous pregnancy.
- Two Paths, One Goal: A comparison of how both women managed the physical and mental demands of pregnancy in their 40s.
Resources & Links:
Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. I only recommend products our guests truly love!
The first half of Stefanie’s Pregnancy story at 40
The first half of Jackie’s Pregnancy story at
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