82. After being told her ovaries were failing and her husband was ready to close the door on more children, Jen received the shock of a lifetime just six months after her 40th birthday. Tune in to hear how she moved past a devastating diagnosis to conceive naturally at 41 and managed the intense anxiety of a high-risk pregnancy.
On episode 82, Jen, who faced a daunting Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) diagnosis at 38 while dreaming of a third child. After being told her ovarian reserve was depleted and navigating the challenges of secondary infertility, Jen spent five years searching for hope when medical interventions weren’t an option. This episode explores the emotional toll of a POI diagnosis, the complexities of navigating fertility decisions with a partner, and the resilience required to keep the door open for a natural pregnancy over 40.
Learn how Jen moved from the anxiety of a “premature menopause” label to the shock of a miracle pregnancy at 41. Whether you are currently dealing with high FSH, low AMH, or have been told that conceiving after 40 is unlikely, Jen’s journey offers a roadmap for managing pregnancy anxiety and finding community. Tune in to hear how she transitioned from a devastating fertility diagnosis to welcoming her third baby, proving that the path to motherhood is rarely linear but always full of possibility.
About the Guest
Jen DiCicco is a pediatric physical therapist based in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she specializes in treating infants and toddlers. After having two children in her late 20s and early 30s, Jen faced a five-year journey to complete her family, which included a diagnosis of Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) at age 38. Today, she is a mother of three, having welcomed her “miracle” son naturally at age 41, and she uses her professional background and personal experience to support other women navigating the anxieties of pregnancy later in life.
Connect with Jen:
- Instagram: @diciccojen & @babystepsclt
Key Topics
- Navigating a POF Diagnosis: The emotional impact of being told you have Premature Ovarian Failure at 38 and what that means for your fertility options.
- Partner Dynamics in Infertility: How Jen and her husband navigated differing views on fertility treatments and the decision to stop trying.
- The “Age 40” Milestone: Confronting the self-imposed “cutoff” age and the surprise of a natural conception six months later.
- Managing Pregnancy Anxiety: Real talk about the fear of loss and chromosomal abnormalities when pregnant over 40.
- The Physical Reality of Later Pregnancy: Dealing with intense acid reflux, hip pain, and the physical differences of a pregnancy at 41 versus age 29.
- Birth Prep & Recovery: Using physical therapy for labor positioning (including flipping a breech baby!) and what postpartum recovery looks like in your 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!
Instagram: Follow Over 40 Fabulous and Pregnant
YouTube: Watch Episodes HERE
Recommended Products: Pregnancy Pillow & Foam Roller
Recommended Book: Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, MPH
Shop More: See ALL products recommended by our guests!
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Community: Join the Over 40 Fabulous Facebook Group