Getting pregnant is a huge decision, as it not only involves bringing a new life into the world but also necessitates taking care of it. Technically, women can reproduce as and when they hit puberty or when they start getting their menstrual periods. This can go on until they experience menopause or the end of their menstrual cycle. However, as women age, their fertility declines, making it more difficult to become pregnant. Still, some women choose to wait to gain financial independence and to reach a stage where they feel confident enough to raise a child. But how long can you wait, and what is the best age to get pregnant? We answer all your questions in this article.
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When Does Fertility Start Diminishing?
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Kalyani Shrimali, Fertility Consultant, Nova IVF Fertility, Indore, suggests that fertility gradually declines after 30 years of age, with a more pronounced decrease in the late 30s and early 40s.
As per a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, the fertility of women decreases gradually but significantly, beginning approximately at age 32 and decreasing more rapidly after age 37.
Dr Shrimali attributes it to individual factors, such as health, lifestyle, and reproductive health, that contribute to the ideal timing.
Is There A Best Age To Get Pregnant?
Generally, early 20s to early 30s is considered peak fertility, says Dr Shrimali.
In fact, most women in their early 20s have an 85% chance of getting pregnant the first year, according to a study published in the Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences.
However, another study warns against the risk of preeclampsia in young, first-time pregnant women, which again increases in people in their late 30s and early 40s.
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What Women In Their Late 30s and 40s Need To Know
The likelihood of conception decreases with age, particularly after the age of 35, said Dr Shrimali, adding that women in their 30s may experience subtle changes in ovulation, which impact fertility.
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decline in ovarian reserve, play a significant role in decreased fertility as women enter their 30s and 40s, she suggests.
Ovarian reserve refers to the quantity and quality of a woman's eggs, and as women age, the number of eggs and their reproductive potential decline.
Additionally, the risk of infertility rises progressively as women enter their late 30s and 40s, whereas pregnancy success rates decline, becoming more challenging in the 40s, the doctor notes.
However, given the technological advances, many alternatives are now available for women who find it difficult to get pregnant. Some of the common ones include:
- Assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF and intrauterine insemination (IUI), can address conception challenges
- Adoption, which provides a fulfilling option for those unable to conceive naturally
- Surrogacy, which involves another woman carrying and delivering the child for the intended parents
However, individual circumstances, including health, preferences, and life goals, should guide the exploration of suitable alternatives, Dr Shrimali recommends. It is also advisable to have open communication with fertility specialists, as it ensures informed decision-making regarding the most appropriate alternative for each individual.