Age and Infertility

There's a definite connection between a woman's age and her chances of getting pregnant. Women are at their peak of fertility in their 20s. Fertility begins to decrease in her 30s, with about 40 percent of women getting pregnant in the first year. The chance of pregnancy drops to 35 percent by age 35, and to just 17 percent for women in their early 40s.

There really is a biological clock

No matter how healthy you are, it's impossible to slow the hands of time. You are born with all the eggs you will ever produce and that quantity decreases by the hundreds every month.

Plus, as you age, so do the quality of the eggs in your ovaries.

Pregnancy risks

Older women are at greater risk of chromosomal abnormalities and having a child born with genetic abnormalities. Older women also have a greater chance of miscarriage.

Give yourself the best possible opportunity for success

There are steps you can take to improve your chance of getting pregnant:

Take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily

  • Quit smoking

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Exercise moderately

  • Drink alcohol in moderation

  • Go easy on the caffeine

  • Reduce stress

When it's time to see a fertility specialist

If you're under 35 years old and haven't gotten pregnant after more than 12 months of trying, you should talk to a fertility specialist. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends women over 35 see a specialist after trying unsuccessfully for 6 months. If you're over 40 you should see a specialist immediately.

 

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