Now more than ever, women have the power to choose if and when they want to get pregnant. In fact, the average age of first-time mothers in the United States has been steadily increasing — from 21 in the 1970s to 26 in more recent years.
Furthering education, career advancement, and changing social landscapes are just a few reasons that women are choosing to have children later in life.
Deciding when you want to get pregnant is highly personal, but there’s no denying that lots of different factors affect your ability to conceive successfully.
Your overall health and your age play a big part in fertility and your ability to get pregnant. At ObGyne Birth Center for Natural Deliveries, we believe the right age to have a baby is the age that feels right to you. We’re proud to partner with women of all ages when they want to grow their families.
If you’re planning to have a baby later in life, here’s what you need to know about how your age affects your fertility.
Women are born with over 1 million eggs, on average. That number naturally decreases over your lifetime, and the quality of your eggs declines too. As the quantity and quality of eggs goes down, so does your fertility.
Women generally experience peak fertility in their 20s. Around age 32, fertility begins to decline. After age 35, it continues declining more rapidly, and by age 37, women have only about 25,000 eggs.
While fertility varies from woman to woman, most women in their mid-20s have a 20% chance of conceiving in three months. At age 35, the average woman has a 12% chance of conceiving in three months. After 40, the chances of conceiving within three months is about 7%.
Although your chances of conceiving naturally declines in your 30s and beyond, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to have children.
Fertility treatments can increase hormone levels and boost your chances of getting pregnant. Certain fertility treatments, as well as hormonal changes that come with age, could increase your chances of getting pregnant with twins, triplets, or other multiples.
Your age not only affects your ability to conceive, but it also influences your health after you get pregnant. Women who are 35 and older may be more likely to develop complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. These complications can include:
Women who are older may also be more likely to have babies born with low birth weights and certain chromosomal abnormalities. If you’re older, your pregnancy may be considered high-risk, and you may need specialized care to ensure you and your baby are as healthy as possible.
The decision to grow your family is an exciting one. No matter your age, our team at ObGyne Birth Center for Natural Deliveries, under the direction of board-certified OB/GYN Bola Sogade, MD, is here to help you make those dreams a reality.
We provide comprehensive gynecologic and obstetric care, whether you’re ready to try for a baby, you’re facing infertility, or you’re already pregnant. If you’re in your 30s or 40s and you want to get pregnant, schedule a consultation to learn how your age could affect your fertility.
During a fertility evaluation, we do a pelvic exam to look for gynecologic conditions that could make conception more difficult, like polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. We review your medical history, any previous pregnancies, and your age to identify other possible complications you may face while trying to get pregnant.
Planning to have a baby later in life brings unique challenges, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Many women in their 30s and 40s get pregnant successfully and go on to have healthy babies.
To learn more about how your age could affect your fertility, schedule a preconception consultation. Call us our Forsyth, Georgia, center at 478-772-3780 or book an appointment online now.
