Is There an Optimal Age to Get Pregnant?
It is recommended that the most ideal time to get pregnant is between your late 20s and early 30s. If you fall within this age range, you’re more likely to have the best outcome for both yourself and your baby.
Although women can certainly get pregnant when they’re older, it may be harder. Your chance of being able to get pregnant decreases when you get past your early 30s.
If you’re healthy and are trying to get pregnant at age 30, you have a 95% chance of conceiving within a year. Each year you wait after age 30 translates to about a 3% lower chance of getting pregnant. After age 40, you’re only 5-10% likely to conceive within a year, and your chances drop to less than 5% by the time you’re 45.
These statistics don’t hold true for everyone, as many women still conceive when they’re over 40 years old. The good news is that women of advanced maternal age do well if they don’t have any medical conditions.
What Are the Risk Factors Getting Pregnant at an Older Age?
Pregnancy past age 35 can bring an increased risk of complications. They may include:
- Preeclampsia (high blood pressure)
- Gestational diabetes
- Premature delivery
- Intrauterine growth restriction- a condition in which a baby doesn’t grow to a normal weight during pregnancy.
- Cesarean delivery
How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting Pregnant?
Talk to your OB/GYN about your individual risk factors. They will review your medical history as well as give you more specific information about increasing your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy & delivery.
Make an appointment today to discuss any questions or concerns if you are thinking about becoming pregnant with the doctors of Huey & Weprin OB/GYN. Contact us today for an appointment or call us at 937.771.5100.
