35. They allllllways talk about 35.
This is the age that’s held up as being the all-important age, after which time it’s just harder to get pregnant.
Getting pregnant after the age of 35
The truth is, every person is different, and so is the age at which the chance of getting pregnant decreases. 35 isn’t a magic be-all, end-all age, but it is used as a baseline. In reality, fertility varies greatly from person to person: some women’s fertility may bottom out in their 20s, while others can be as fertile as an Iowa cornfield well into their 40s. If you’re actively TTC now, or do plan to try to have a baby in the future, we want you to be armed with the facts. So here’s what you should know about getting pregnant after 35.
Why it’s more difficult to get pregnant after 35
Although everyone is different, statistics say that females over 35 will have a more difficult time getting pregnant than they would at a younger age. This is mostly due to a lowered egg quality, after years of those eggs lying in wait in your ovaries. Because some of your eggs are resistant to fertilization as you get older, if you’re TTC it’s important to make sure you don’t miss those ovulations in which you do release a healthy egg.
How Ovia can help
Once you’re over 35, it’s very important to track your data to zero in on your fertile windows, as they may simply be less frequent. Ovia can help you track your ovulations for as many cycles as you need until you find the window that works! Some studies suggest that as many as 90% of females over 35 are able to conceive. It just might take some time.
Once you’ve conceived
Individuals over 35 have a statistically higher chance of having complicated pregnancies or having babies with developmental disorders. That’s why it’s very important for anyone over 35 to get genetic testing to rule out chromosomal and neural tube disorders. Taking it easy and focusing on your health is especially critical during the first eight weeks of pregnancy too. But don’t worry: many people over 35 are able to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies, so long as they take good care of their bodies and minds.
When you should call your healthcare provider
With all of this in mind, you might still want to know what it means for your fertility – and if you still have plenty of time to get pregnant and really don’t need to stress or if you should possibly see a healthcare provider to learn more.
If you’re under 35 have been trying to conceive with contraceptive-free intercourse that’s well-timed meaning intercourse during your fertile window) for 12 months – or if you’re over 35 and have been trying to do the same for 6 months – then it’s recommended that you be in touch with your healthcare provider. They can help you learn more about your fertility and whether or not you might need any reproductive assistance to conceive. They also may recommend that you have a fertility consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist, a type of doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating different issues of infertility.
It’s totally possible to successfully conceive and have a baby after age 35. It may just take a bit more time and effort.
Read more
Sources
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Gynecologic Practice, The Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. “Female Age-Related Fertility Decline: Committee Opinion Number 589.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 3/14/2015. Web.
