Many women’s passion for pregnancy increases with age. Why? As you get older, the number of eggs your body naturally produces grows smaller. Your biological alarm bells are literally telling you that time is running out. However, thanks to scientific advances, women now have ample opportunities to get pregnant later in life.
If you’re over 35 and experiencing baby fever, don’t fret! In this article, we’re covering proven methods for increasing your chances of getting preggers naturally and the benefits of giving birth at an older age.
How To Naturally Conceive Over 35
Research has shown that naturally conceiving after a certain age is tough to do. This is because the number and quality of viable eggs your body is producing starts to shrink. In fact, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, only one in 10 women over the age of 40 will get pregnant, compared to one in four women in their 20s or 30s.
Despite these statistics, you CAN still get pregnant in your late 30s and 40s. Here’s how:
Know Your Fertile Window
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Your fertile window is a six-day period during your menstrual cycle that comes to an end a mere 24 hours after you ovulate. Your chances of getting pregnant significantly increase during the three-day window ending on the day of ovulation. Track this period vigilantly to boost your likelihood of getting pregnant.
You can keep tabs on your fertile window in several ways. Use the good old calendar method if your menstrual cycle stays fairly regular. You can also use basal body temperature (BBT) charting. This involves taking your temperature every morning before you even step out of bed. By keeping an ongoing chart over the course of your cycle, you can detect an obvious increase in temperature, indicating you have ovulated.
Ovulation predictor kits will let you know the best dates to naturally conceive. Similar to an at-home pregnancy kit, this kit shows a specific color pattern when your luteinizing hormone levels spike, indicating you will ovulate within 12 hours to three days. Once the kit predicts your ovulation period, get it on with your partner for the next few days.
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Stay Healthy
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Having good eggs starts with having a healthy body. Many studies suggest that smoking, eating a poor diet, and not regularly exercising will play a major role in your egg quality. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to boost your chances of conception.
The Benefits Of Rocking A Baby Bump Later In Life
Are you nervous about getting pregnant in your late 30s or 40s? Don’t be! There are numerous benefits of being an older mom, both for you and your baby.
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Your Child May Have Lowered Risk Of Injuries
Your kiddo’s risk of getting hurt unintentionally drastically decreases as you get older. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal in 2012, a child’s risk of unintentional injury dramatically decreased from 36.6% for mothers 20 years of age to just 28.6% for moms who were 40 years of age. We have to note that this may not indicate causation — the study also found that older moms tend to have higher income levels and more education, contributing to greater child wellbeing.
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More Brain Power
Getting pregnant later in life can sharpen your mind. A study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that women who had a baby after the age of 35 had better verbal and cognitive memory. This was attributed to the rush of hormones that flow through your body during pregnancy, positively affecting your brain.
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You’re Financially Prepared
You’ve spent your 20s and 30s chasing after your career goals. You go, girl! Now that you’ve secured your dream job and a stellar salary, you’re more financially prepared than ever to support a baby. So don’t feel guilty splurging on that deluxe stroller or premium baby onesie.
Potential Risks Of Having A Baby At 40 (Or Older):
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Despite all of the perks of getting pregnant later in life, there are some drawbacks, too. Possible risks include:
Gestational Diabetes
This kind of diabetes only occurs when you’re pregnant and is more common for older moms. To mitigate this risk, it’s important to control your blood sugar levels and lead a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise.
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High Blood Pressure
Older women who become pregnant are more likely to develop high blood pressure. It’s essential that your doctor carefully monitors your blood pressure during your entire pregnancy.
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C-Section
If you’re having a baby at 40 or older, you can be more prone to pregnancy-related complications that might require a C-section delivery, such as when the placenta blocks the cervix.
Age Is Definitely Just A Number
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While science has shown that your chances of getting pregnant naturally drop as you age, you don’t have to give up altogether. Today, more women than ever before are waiting until they’re older to have a baby.
By monitoring your fertile window and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you will boost your chances of producing quality eggs and conceiving naturally. Being an older mom means that you and your tot can enjoy more financial stability, fewer injuries, and boosted brainpower! What’s not to love about all of that?
Are you considering having a baby at 40, or have you had a baby later in life? Share your experience with us in the comments!
Want More Pregnancy And Fertility Insights? Then You Should Read:
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