*This is a collaborative post
For many women, getting pregnant after the age of 40 is a big concern. There isn’t just the conception, but the fact that as we all get older we are prone to more physical ailments. So it’s important to remember that while getting pregnant in your 40s is not impossible because so many women have done this, we have to understand pregnancy at this age.
How Long Does It Take To Get Pregnant in Your 40s?
Any woman after the age of 35 gradually sees a dip in the likelihood of conceiving. There are so many ways to conceive, not just naturally but through egg donation and IVF abroad, but IVF is not generally recommended for women over the age of 42 because of the drop-off in the odds of getting pregnant. It’s important to have an understanding of the general odds. By the age of 35, the chance of having a natural successful pregnancy is approximately 10% to 15%. By the age of 40, it’s around 5%, which means that it is not impossible, but can take longer.
Are Your Eggs “Bad” After 40?
Every woman has a percentage of eggs that are classed as genetically abnormal. The percentage of normal eggs a woman has will decrease as they get older. By the age of 40, a woman will have approximately 20% to 30% of normal eggs, therefore, it’s not about having “bad” eggs, it’s just the number of good ones decreases.
Can You Get Pregnant Naturally After 40?
Of course, it is entirely feasible to get pregnant naturally after the age of 40. Fertility is going to decline, and this means it becomes harder to get pregnant without any intervention. Fertility specialists say approximately there is a 5% chance per menstrual cycle of getting pregnant after the age of 40. Comparing this to women in their 20s where the chance is around 25%. The reason for unsuccessful pregnancies after 40 are many. There is a higher rate of miscarriage, but there is also a higher chance of the egg having genetic abnormalities. Additionally, the ovarian reserve in women decreases over time, so they have fewer eggs by the time they reach their 40s.
How Can You Improve Your Fertility After 40?
If you want to improve your fertility in general you’ve got to be aware of the complications that women can face over the age of 40. For example, high blood pressure, endometriosis, issues with thyroid, and diabetes can all have an impact. Therefore, you should have a solid focus on your health and prioritise this. Working with medical specialists and working on being healthier will help you to have more control over certain conditions like obesity and diabetes.
So many women feel like they have missed the boat in getting pregnant earlier in life and are trying to get pregnant after the age of 40. It’s vital to understand that it is not impossible, but it’s about ensuring that you are putting your body in the best possible position to get pregnant. This means reducing stress, being healthy, and not putting that pressure upon yourself.