Getting Pregnant Over 35
Written by Rhiannon Davis. Reviewed by Jenny Wordsworth.
The Truth About Getting Pregnant after 35. Jennifer Lopez, known for her inspiring career and ageless energy, welcomed twins at 38. Meghan Markle announced her pregnancy at 37. Gisele Bündchen is pregnant with her third child at 44. Hilary Swank gave birth to twins at 48. Starting a family later in life is increasingly common despite the fact that a woman falling pregnant aged 35 onwards is termed as being of “Advanced Maternal Age”(AMA), formerly a “Geriatric Pregnancy”. The guidelines have changed, moving towards personalised assessments, away from a one-size-fits-all approach. However, trying to conceive after 35 comes with unique considerations, as fertility naturally declines with age.
How Does Fertility Change After 35?
Between the ages of 30 and 40, a person’s chance of conceiving per cycle decreases from around 20% to just 5%. While this may seem daunting, it doesn’t mean pregnancy isn’t possible, it simply highlights the importance of understanding your fertility health and making proactive choices. The ability to conceive after 35 varies widely between individuals, with overall health being a key factor.
💡Expert Insight💡
“Fertility declines sharply after 35, but many women and people still conceive naturally if they are ovulating regularly, have no known causes of subfertility, and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” explains Dr. Phoebe, OVUM’s Chief Medical Officer. “Sperm health also plays a role and should be considered an equal part of the equation.”
How to Improve Your Chances of Conceiving After 35
It is essential to consider any associated risks and factors, including overall reproductive health and the quality of remaining eggs. For those planning a family later in life, seeking advice from a fertility specialist or considering proactive measures like fertility testing or egg preservation can be invaluable.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle - Focus on balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and achieving an optimal BMI. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Track Your Fertile Window - Identifying ovulation is key. Use a free ovulation calculator to time intercourse (Tommy’s charity have a great ovulation calculator or insemination during your most fertile days).
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Support Your Egg Health - Look for supplements with targeted fertility support to provide the essential nutrients needed to support egg quality, which is particularly important as we age.
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Know Your Personal Fertility - A fertility test can provide valuable insights into your reproductive health. Understanding your ovarian reserve and hormone levels empowers you to plan effectively.
What If You Need Help?
For some, conceiving naturally at 35 or older may take longer, or medical support might be needed. Fertility treatments like IVF or IUI can help, and have improved outcomes, but they shouldn’t necessarily be your first port of call.
Risk Factors if Falling Pregnant Over 35
Several risk factors during pregnancy increase with age, including:
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Miscarriage
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Premature birth
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Low birthweight
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Ectopic pregnancy
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Preeclampsia
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Gestational diabetes
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Stillbirth; and
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Chromosomal abnormalities
The good news is that health assessments, genetic screening, and diagnostic and counselling options are more sophisticated than ever, allowing people to understand as much as possible about their health and pregnancies.
The Rise of Pregnancy Over 35
More people are waiting to begin parenthood, whether due to career, personal goals, or wishing to find the right partner to parent with. A recent study found that 82% of women and people aged 35-39 conceived naturally within a year when having regular intercourse. While this is reassuring, awareness of age-related changes and proactive steps can make a significant difference.
