For a couple trying to get pregnant, the concept of fertility takes precedence over anything else. This is because the fertility levels of a person determine their likelihood of conceiving naturally. However, the fertility levels tend to vary across different stages of life which is why your chances of getting pregnant in your 20s is far easier than in your 30s and 40s. But if you think that your chances of getting pregnant in your 30s and 40s are clearly slim, then think again. In this article, we will explore how your fertility levels change over time and how you can choose the right time to get pregnant, without compromising on your life.
Fertility levels and age: What’s the connection?
Navigating your fertility at any age is a tough enough task, but knowing about the challenges beforehand can help. To understand what getting pregnant in your 20s, 30s and 40s may look like, we first need to understand the relationship between age and fertility. Many people believe that there is no significant effect on an individual’s fertility levels as they grow older, however this is far from the truth. In fact, multiple studies support the claim that ageing is one of the most prominent factors in fertility decline. This is because as we age, the number and quality of eggs in the ovarian reserve for women, and the motility and quality of sperm for men, tend to decline.
You may be surprised to learn that at the time of birth, a woman has about 1-2 million eggs in the ovarian reserve, which reduces to less than 25,000 by the age of 40. For men, the age-related decline in fertility most often results in poor sperm motility (0.8% decrease every year) (Fertility and the Aging Male by Isiah D Harris et al.), resulting in the sperm dying even before they get fused with the egg for embryo development. Coupling these with other health conditions such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and factors like stress (that often becomes a cause of worry in the middle ages), the chances of natural conception for a couple severely diminish.
By this logic, the sooner you try to get pregnant, the better chance you will have a natural conception. But the real question is: what is it like getting pregnant in your 20s? Let’s find out.
Getting pregnant in your 20s
Getting pregnant in your 20s is one of the best times to conceive naturally. This is because according to medical experts, both men and women are at their biological prime. This results in lower chances of pregnancy complications or instances such as genetic abnormalities in the baby. What’s even better is that the sperm and egg quality of both partners is quite good during this span, leading to less susceptibility of birth defects.
However, when all may seem good in theory, it is worth bearing in mind that physiological issues such as scarring in the fallopian tubes, can occur at any age and can impact your chance of getting pregnant naturally. It’s important to remember that pregnancy impacts all aspects of your life and not just one. Issues such as financial instability, early/growing years of your professional career and reduced freedom to explore new places or experiences, can add significant stress to the couple’s quality of life and emotional burden.
Getting pregnant in your 30s
Getting pregnant in your 30s may seem like the next logical step, and the one which most couples opt for in today’s day and age. This is because in your 30s, the majority of people are relatively well settled in their career and have found their feet in the professional world. Both partners are usually emotionally mature enough to handle the changes that having a child may bring into their lives. Additionally, you still have enough energy to keep up with the pregnancy and the changes after birth.
However, at this age, the problems that most couples face are increased risk of miscarriage, genetic abnormalities in the child, and increased time for natural conception. The reason behind these problems is mostly due to the decreased quality of eggs and sperm (as discussed above), along with other diagnosed or undiagnosed health conditions – all of which together make pregnancy a toll-taking process. It is when most people plan for assisted reproduction techniques, such as IVF and IUI, so as to get the desired results.
Getting pregnant in your 40s
Getting pregnant in your 40s is a journey of its own. It is usually the time when most major milestones are completed, you have a stable career and are incredibly secure about your life’s choices. 40s, however, is also the time when most people experience significant decline in their health with chronic health issues popping up. What’s worse is how couples in their 40s face a really hard time conceiving naturally. This is because after the age of 40, the number of eggs in the ovarian reserve for the female partner depletes quite drastically.
Some studies (Londero et al. 2019) also suggest that women in their 40s often experience preterm delivery which is a rising reason behind pregnancy complications. Complications such as placental bleeding, loss of vessel integrity and physiological conversion of the maternal spiral arteries can all cause life threatening consequences. The study also showed that people opting for assisted reproductive technologies experienced fewer cases of this, but the risk of birth defects still remains.
Your pregnancy your choice
While all of the above are mostly general observations along with relevant statistics, your personal pregnancy journey can differ greatly depending on the type of life you lead. Since no two people are the same and neither are their life choices, you should not be bound by societal trends or expectations – especially when it comes to pregnancy.
If you feel confused or overwhelmed, seeking consultation from an IVF clinic in London can help. A specialised fertility clinic can help you plan your pregnancy journey by analysing your reproductive potential. They may achieve this by recommending a simple fertility test for women and men that provides detailed insights about the couple’s reproductive potential. The valuable insights derived from these scans can help your fertility expert curate bespoke treatment options that complement your health and family planning goals. The role of a good fertility clinic is to minimise your stress about planning your pregnancy journey, so you can make informed choices and remain worry free.
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