Conceiving After 35: Exploring the Impact of Aging on Fertility and Pregnancy
If you’re over the age of 35 and are hoping to get pregnant, you’re in the same boat as millions of women worldwide. As times continue to change, more women, couples, and families alike are delaying pregnancy well into their 30s and beyond — and having healthy babies.
How does age impact your eggs?
You are born with a limited number of eggs in your ovaries. And, as you get older, this number decreases. The eggs that remain are more likely to have abnormal chromosomes. And, as we age, the likelihood of developing health conditions that can impact fertility, such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis, increases.
Knowing the risks
Sadly – and no matter how much we tamper with it – the biological clock is a fact of life. But why 35? There isn’t really anything special about the age of 35. Put simply, it’s just an age at which risks become more discussion-worthy. For example:
- It might take longer to get pregnant. As mentioned, you’re born with a limited number of eggs. And as you enter your mid- to late 30s, they start to decrease in both quantity and quality. Also, as you get older, it becomes more difficult for your eggs to become fertilized, compared to when you were younger.
- Having a multiple pregnancy is more likely. The older you get, the higher your chances are of having twins. Why? Because hormonal changes can stimulate the release of more than one egg at the same time. Also, and as you probably already know, reproductive treatments such as in vitro fertilization can play a part.
- The risk of gestational diabetes increases. This particular type of diabetes occurs only during pregnancy; and it’s more common in older age.
- There’s an increased chance of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy. Due to this, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure, along with your baby’s growth and development.
- There’s an increased risk of delivering prematurely and having a baby with a low birth weight. Also, premature babies are often born with complicated medical problems.
- The probability of needing a C-section goes up. After age 35, there’s an increased risk of experiencing pregnancy-related complications that lead to a cesarean delivery.
- The risk of being born with chromosomal conditions is greater. Older mothers have babies that are more likely to be born with chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome.
- There’s an increased risk of miscarriage. As you age, the chances of miscarriage and stillbirth increase. This is often due either to preexisting medical conditions or chromosomal conditions in the baby.
On that note, it is worth mentioning that, from the data of more than 40 million births, scientists at Stanford University have linked paternal age – meaning the father’s age – to birth risks, and even risks to the mother’s health.
Making healthy choices makes all the difference
Simply put, taking good care of yourself and your health is the best way to take care of your baby. Whether or not our younger selves would have accepted this truth, the choices you make and the decisions you take — even before falling pregnant — can have a significant and lasting impact on your body and baby.
So, what do these healthy choices look like?
Start off by making a preconception appointment. Before starting your pregnancy journey, meet with your doctor to discuss and thoroughly go through your overall health. Here, you’ll address any concerns you might have regarding fertility and pregnancy. Ask about how you can improve the likelihood of conceiving and what to do to boost your chances.
When you’re pregnant:
Prioritize regular prenatal checkups. During pregnancy, it’s important to stay on track with your prenatal appointments. These visits not only allow your doctor to closely monitor both your health and your baby’s but also give you the chance to take charge of your well-being. They empower you to be actively involved and informed throughout your journey – both as a patient and mom-to-be. If you have any symptoms that are worrying you, don’t hesitate to bring them up – your doctor should welcome free-flowing, open discussion.
Eat a healthy diet. We hear this time and again, but there’s a reason why it’s so drilled into us. When you’re pregnant, your body needs more folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients. If you’re already eating well, then you’re one step ahead in the right direction. Also, you should consider adding a daily prenatal vitamin to cover any nutritional gaps.
Be cautious about weight gain. It’s natural, normal, and inevitable to gain weight when you’re pregnant. However, it’s important to gain the right amount of weight to support your baby’s health. And, it can make it easier to lose the extra weight after you’ve delivered. You can work closely with your doctor to compose a personalized plan tailored specifically to you and your unique needs.
Keep active. As we know, regular physical activity has numerous benefits. This also applies during pregnancy. It helps ease discomfort, boosts energy levels, and improves your overall health. Plus, staying active can increase stamina and muscle strength, which may help play a significant role during labor and childbirth. Just be sure to speak with your doctor before starting or continuing any exercise routine, especially if you have a medical condition. Their guidance will ensure that you can exercise safely and confidently throughout your pregnancy.
Stay away from harmful substances. Bad for you in general, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal narcotics – are especially off-limits during pregnancy. It’s important you check with your doctor before taking any medications or supplements.
Learn about prenatal testing for chromosomal conditions. It’s important that you talk to your doctor about prenatal screening and testing. One commonly used screening test is the prenatal cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) screening. This method screens for certain chromosomal conditions in your developing baby, like Down syndrome. It involves taking DNA from both you and your baby from your blood. The screening checks for an increased chance of specific chromosome issues, including Down syndrome, trisomy 13, and trisomy 18.
Diagnostic tests such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. Such tests can inform us of the risk of specific chromosomal conditions. However, they do carry a slight risk of miscarriage. Based on your unique case, your doctor will help you weigh the risks and benefits.
To conclude…
Embarking on the journey of conceiving after 35 does bring its own unique set of challenges, but it’s a path celebrated by millions of women worldwide. Understanding how age affects fertility and pregnancy makes all the difference, and taking proactive steps, like scheduling a preconception appointment with your doctor and being guided by them, can help set you up for a successful and fulfilling pregnancy journey. By making informed and healthy choices, you can embark on the adventure of conceiving after 35 with confidence and excitement.