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Planning the right time in life to get pregnant is deeply personal. Whether it’s due to career goals, the rising cost of living, or just personal preference, many people are waiting until later in life to have a baby. Since 1990, there’s been a 90% increase in people 35 to 39 giving birth.1 And nearly 20% of people now have their first child after 35..2
For many, waiting to have a child until they feel ready can feel especially difficult. That’s because your age can play a major role in how likely you are to become pregnant. As you decide what’s best for you and your future, it’s important to understand how fertility changes with age.
How fertility changes over time
Pregnancy is connected to the number of healthy eggs in your ovaries. Each month your ovaries release a certain number of eggs. As you age, there’s a decrease in the number of eggs and their quality. Fewer eggs are healthy enough to be fertilized and grow into an embryo.
Age and pregnancy chances
Our bodies change naturally as we age. Here’s how age can impact your fertility.3
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Fertility treatments
It’s important to know that fertility can vary widely. Many factors can impact pregnancy — no 2 pregnancy journeys are alike. And some people may need a little more help to conceive.
In cases when you might need help, fertility treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) can increase your pregnancy chances. Yet they aren’t a guarantee for success, no matter your age.
If you’re over 35 and haven’t had success after 6 months of trying, it may be time to talk to a doctor and see what options may be right for you.
Pregnancy risks over 35
While some pregnancy risks do increase with age, most pregnancies over 35 are healthy. It can be empowering to know that taking care of yourself and managing health conditions, such as diabetes, are the best thing you can do to help you have a healthy pregnancy.
Some common risks in older pregnancies can include chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, placenta complications, and preeclampsia. In most cases, these conditions can be monitored and successfully managed, keeping you and your baby safe.
The risk for miscarriage also increases with age, particularly over 35. This occurs when a pregnancy suddenly ends, usually before 20 weeks. It can be a devastating experience, physically and emotionally. But you should know it’s not your fault. In many cases there’s no clear medical cause. And having one miscarriage doesn’t increase the chances of having another. Most people who try to get pregnant after one miscarriage go on to have a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy screenings you may consider
Based on your personal history and how your pregnancy is progressing, your doctor may talk to you about routine screenings for certain birth defects. This is often to look for chromosomal disorders that can happen more often with older pregnancies, like Down syndrome.
These screenings are safe, and don’t pose a risk to your pregnancy. But they can’t predict all birth defects. The decision to do screenings, or any further testing, is also very personal. And it’s completely your choice to have them done.
For some, simply knowing screening and testing options are available — and that your doctor and care team can help guide you at every step — can be comforting.
How menopause and perimenopause affect pregnancy chances
Menopause is a phase in which your monthly periods naturally stop. If you haven’t had a period after one year and you’re not on hormonal treatments, you’ve started menopause. Once menopause begins, you can no longer get pregnant.
Menopause typically starts around 50. However, it could happen as early as 45. Symptoms include hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and vaginal dryness.
Before menopause, you will go through a stage called perimenopause. For most people it will happen in their mid- to late- 40s. But it may come as soon as their late 30s. Perimenopause causes estrogen levels to drop. Your period may also become shorter or happen less often. During this time, it’s still possible to get pregnant. But the changes in your period frequency can make it harder to time when your pregnancy chances are best.
Tips for a healthy pregnancy
When you’re ready to get pregnant, there are some simple steps you can take to help you prepare your body and make your pregnancy as healthy as possible. Here are 3 to try:
Get physical activity
Regular exercise can be one of the most effective ways to improve your overall health. It can help you to maintain a healthy weight and boost your energy levels, while reducing stress. Here’s what to aim for:
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. You can split activity into 10- to 15-minute chunks throughout the day.
- Go with activities that work best for you, like a brisk walk, dance class, or yoga.
- Keep moving once you’re pregnant — but talk to your doctor about how to modify exercises to keep you and your baby safe.
Maintain a healthy weight
Your weight can be an important factor for a healthy pregnancy. Being underweight can make it harder to get pregnant. It can also make it more likely to have smaller babies. Some babies with lower birth weights may have serious health issues like trouble fighting off infections. On the flip side, if you’re overweight or obese it can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and birth defects.
If you’re concerned about keeping a healthy weight, your doctor can help you create a personalized plan that takes your needs into account. It might include nutrition and exercise advice, along with health coaching, mental health and wellness support, self-care resources, and medical treatments.
Add folic acid to your diet
Few things can be as helpful for your pregnancy diet as folic acid. Studies show that taking just 400 micrograms of folic acid daily helps lower the risk of certain birth defects. It’s best to take it before you start trying to get pregnant and through the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Most multivitamins offer the amount of folic acid you need. But you can also find it in foods, including:
- Dark green leafy vegetables like Swiss chard, spinach, and kale
- Strawberries and citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit
- Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, breads, and fortified cereals
- Legumes like beans, lentils, and peas
Find the support you need
If you’re still in the planning stages, consider talking to your doctor as early as possible. Together you can create a plan that’s tailored to your specific needs. Your doctor can also answer questions or concerns you may have about your pregnancy timeline.
Even before you know you’re pregnant, there are several things you can discuss with your doctor. You can talk about chronic conditions you may have, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, current medications you’re taking, and health screenings.
And if you think you might be pregnant, visit your doctor or midwife as soon as possible. Prenatal care visits are essential to setting you up for success on your pregnancy journey.
Visit kp.org/maternity for more information on maternity care and pregnancy.