Allison did IVF to Avoid Autism at 43

096. Allison spent her life surrounded by children as a babysitter and camp counselor, yet the decision to become a mother wasn't always a clear-cut choice for her. Content in her 15-year relationship with her husband and close with her two stepchildren, she initially prioritized her love for travel and professional life over starting a family of her own. However, reaching the milestone age of 40 and getting married that same year sparked a profound shift in her perspective, leading her to seriously consider motherhood for the first time.In this episode, Allison shares the unique and deliberate steps she took to navigate pregnancy at 43, including why she opted for IVF to gender select for a girl and the proactive measures she took to mitigate specific developmental concerns. She opens up about the reality of undergoing five egg retrievals and the emotional resilience required to stay the course through the IVF process. Join us as Allison breaks down her journey from "maybe" to "definitely," offering a candid look at the medical and personal choices that shaped her path to becoming a mother in her 40s. Get the transcript and more information about this episode:https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode96/Shop the Show 🛍️ To browse every product recommended by our host and guests, visit:  https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/shop/ (Note: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you—it helps keep the episodes coming!)Support the Pod ❤️ If you enjoy our content and want to help us stay independent, you can donate to the show here: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/donate/