[Maternity during the climateric].

The climacteric is the last stage of the evolving life of women between the fertile period and its completion. The climacteric process in every woman has different manifestations in relation to their own history, their health and culture to which they belong. Traditionally the menopause has been linked with depression; we today consider it as a vital crisis which brings new possibilities, including motherhood. The changes during the 20th century in the status of women, the increase in longevity and reproductive techniques suggest motherhood is possible beyond the limits imposed by biology.