What's the childbearing age?

How does age affect fertility?

Women are born with limited numbers of eggs – about 2 million of them and their number gradually decrease over the years.

The number stays around 1 million at the time of birth and diminishes to approximately 300,000 by the time they reach puberty. The quantity starts to decline at an increased rate around age 32 and takes more pace during the late 30s and onwards. Even though only 300 to 400 eggs go under ovulation over the course of a woman's reproductive lifetime, growing age also affects their quality which increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and other complications. Your chances of conceiving in the next cycle after 3 months of trying are 18% at age 25, 16% at age 30, 12% at age 35 and 7% at age 40.

Benefits of getting pregnant at certain ages

The right age to get pregnant varies across individual cases. Listed below are benefits of getting pregnant at certain ages:

• Bearing a child at a younger age

The probability of conceiving is much higher in your 20s (and even the early 30s) than in your late 30s and beyond. Studies show that the health of your child will also benefit more if you are a younger mother. Also, being pregnant within this age group significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy-related complications.

• Bearing a child after 35

An advanced maternal age allows you to focus on your career, build your life and be financially stable so that your baby can have a secure future. Some reports also show that children, born to older parents, tend to attain a higher degree of education. However, following pregnancy risks become more common when getting pregnant at age 35 and older:

• Gestational diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Preeclampsia

• Placenta previa

• Miscarriage

• Premature birth

• Stillbirth

• Need for a cesarean delivery

• Heavy bleeding after delivery

• Infant low birth weight

• Chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome

When should you see a doctor for fertility questions?

A fertility specialist can help clear your concerns and guide you through the essentials of reproductive care. They can help diagnose any issues related to fertility and provide treatment accordingly. You should see a fertility specialist:

• If you are below 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year

• If you are 35 or older and have been trying to conceive for over 6 months

• If you are over 40 and wish to have a child and start a family.

Tips for Conception

Apart from knowing the right age to get pregnant, you should also be aware of what to do and avoid when trying to conceive. This includes:

• Quit smoking and drinking

Tobacco can cause harm to your health and have a negative impact on fertility. It can also increase the risk of complications like miscarriage. On the other hand, alcohol consumption is also reported to decrease female fertility.

• Limit caffeine intake

Make sure to limit your caffeine intake to below 200 milligrams a day. Studies have found a link between excessive amounts of caffeine and a higher risk of miscarriage.

• Maintain body weight

Experts suggest that you maintain a healthy weight according to your age. Individuals who are overweight or underweight may experience certain types of ovulation disorders.

• Follow a nutritious diet

Follow a healthy and nutritious diet as recommended by your doctor. You should avoid foods that contain trans fats, added sugar, processed meats, etc.

Conclusion

You'll have the best odds of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby if you start trying in your 20s or 30s, but that scenario isn't right for every woman. If you have any concerns about your ability to get pregnant, see your gynecologist or visit a fertility specialist.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Sources: healthline, health.clevelandclinic.org, mayoclinic

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on December 1, 2023