There are many reasons why couples want to delay starting a family until they are older. It can be due to financial reasons, career progression or due to the pressure of supporting a family. Whatever the situation may be, many women want to postpone having babies. But what are the chances of pregnancy over 40? While it is a fact that pregnancy at 40 has risks involved, it is still possible for many women if they follow the tips for enhancing fertility. Read to know about fertility after 40 and tips to get pregnant quickly and have a healthy pregnancy.
You must know the truth about fertility and age. The truth is that for female fertility, age is a huge factor. At birth, a woman has the maximum number of eggs, and as she hits puberty and her menstrual years start, one egg will mature and be released every cycle, and the remaining eggs die continuously. Typically, a girl is born with around 1 to 2 million eggs, and when she is around 40, the quantity may reduce to about 10,000. Additionally, the quality of the eggs also reduces with age.
If a woman in her 30s decides to start a family, the chances of conception are 20% each month. However, this reduces to 5% if the woman is 40. So there is a downward curve in her fertility which sharpens after 35 and becomes steep in her 40s. Additionally, there is also an increased risk of miscarriage for a woman in her 40s. If a woman conceives in her 20s, the miscarriage risk is at 15%, but the same risk climbs to 40% if she is over 40 years old.
Male fertility also starts to decline in the 40s. Though the decline is not as drastic as in women, a male over 40 may have low testicular function, sperm quality, along with genetic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities, making conception difficult for a couple.
Of course, all is not lost, as many couples can conceive naturally in their 40s and have healthy babies. But it is essential to know that age affects the chances of getting pregnant naturally after 40, as well as the fertility treatments. For those in their 40s, it is better to get fertility testing so that they can decide on assisted conception treatment choices.
Irrespective of your age, it is essential to improve your fertility. But particularly so in your 40s, as conception becomes difficult. The tips mentioned below not only help you conceive naturally but also help you when you choose fertility treatments.
If you want to maximise your conception chances after 40, you should know when your ovulation date is. There are a few days in your menstrual cycle when you are fertile and can get pregnant. These fertile days may vary in every cycle. If you know when those days are, you can get pregnant quickly. An ovulation test kit helps you detect it. The body produces LH (luteinizing hormone) 24 to 36 hours before ovulation, indicating your fertile days and increasing the chances of pregnancy at 40.
Regular moderate exercise is essential for your overall well-being. It is good for the lungs, heart, your hormonal balance and stress levels, which are critical to maintain when trying to conceive. However, do not overexert yourself, especially if you have a healthy weight, as it can disrupt your periods. Walking, swimming, and cycling are good exercise options.
Good health and quality sleep are closely linked. When you sleep, the body restores energy, repairs cells and produces essential reproductive hormones. If you sleep poorly and are trying to get pregnant, improve your sleep quality. Create a restful and calm sleep environment in the bedroom, unwind before you head to sleep, and stay away from screens a few hours before bed to improve sleep hygiene.
Women are aware that they should stop drinking during pregnancy. But not many are aware that they should stop or limit drinking if they are trying to conceive. Studies have shown that there is a direct link between alcohol and low fertility. So if you want to improve your chances of conception and pregnancy in your 40s, quit that drinking habit.
Research has also shown that smoking or vaping is linked with a risk of fertility issues. While vaping is new and needs more research, chemicals in vape aerosols can be detrimental to your chances of pregnancy. If you are focusing on better fertility, whatever your age, stop vaping or smoking.
Studies have shown that chemicals in everyday use, like those in toilet cleaners, plastic or perfumes, may affect both female and male fertility. While it is not possible to cut them off completely, you can limit exposure by switching to plant-based cleaners and replacing plastic containers with steel or brass.
If you have a health problem or a chronic disease like diabetes, consult your doctor to control it, as it may affect your conception ability or carrying the baby to full-term. When you're in your 40s, improving general health helps improve fertility.
Good nutrition is not only helpful in improving fertility but also aids in pregnancy. A recent study suggests that a large percentage of women in the pre-conception stage had low or marginal levels of nutrients like folate, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D, essential for fertility and fetal development. If you want to conceive, it is a good idea to consume supplements.
Studies have also confirmed the importance of nutrition and diet in fertility. A healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and seafood is linked with better fertility in men and women.
Apart from the above recommendations, men should take care of their sperm health. They should maintain optimal conditions for their testes by avoiding hot baths and choosing baggy shorts.
When to get a fertility check? This depends on your age. If you are over 40, you should not wait more than three months after trying. Seek fertility testing if you do not conceive after 3 months, as time is of the essence at this age. If you cannot get pregnant naturally, you can opt for assisted conception sooner rather than later.
It is natural to think about how long it will take to get pregnant if you are over 40. The good news is that natural conception after 40 and a healthy baby is possible. However, you need patience and understanding of fertility, as you may not conceive as easily or quickly as you would earlier. Follow the above tips to get pregnant naturally and consult a fertility specialist if things don’t work out.
