Your Age and Fertility

Many factors have contributed to an increase in women’s age and when they choose to have children. Women have grown in huge numbers within Corporate America in the last few decades, allowing them the opportunity to grow in their professional careers. Many women do not want to give up their professions and the hard work that got them to where they are. Many women are also getting married later in their 20s and into their 30s, also choosing to put off conceiving until they have spent a few years together with just their spouse. While these are certainly understandable choices, it is important for women to understand that age does affect fertility.

If you are over the age of 35 and have yet to start a family, you are probably no stranger to the question, “Are you ever going to have children?” and also comments like, “You’re not getting any younger.” Or “Your biological clock is ticking.” Hopefully, these comments and questions are not said rudely, yet they do express an understanding that a woman’s fertility does decline with age. Not only is there a decline in the likelihood of getting pregnant, but there is also the concern of problematic pregnancies and genetic disorders associated with women who become pregnant after the age of 35. Studies show that older women who do not have any health conditions prior to pregnancy are much more likely to have complicated pregnancies.

Aging is a fact of life, and the proverbial biological clock is something we all must deal with. Women over the age of 35 face these risks associated with fertility:

• It may take longer to get pregnant, and you may need medical intervention to conceive.
• You are more likely to have a multiple pregnancy.
• You are more likely to develop preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
• You are more likely to have a premature birth or low birth weight baby.
• You are more likely to need a C-section delivery.
• The risk of pregnancy loss is higher.
• The risk of chromosome abnormalities increases.

The good news for women in their late 30s and early 40s is that they still have the chance to start the family they want. If you are having difficulty getting pregnant or have concerns regarding your age and fertility, schedule an appointment with Marietta OB/GYN Affiliates, P.A. today to receive the compassionate care you deserve.