Is There A Timeline On Pregnancy?
At birth, a female’s ovaries carry millions of eggs. Once a female reaches puberty, the menstruation process begins where an unfertilized egg exits the body every month. The peak years of fertility are between a female’s late teens and late 20s. At age 30, fertility starts to decline, and the risk of pregnancy complications and birth defects increases. A healthy pregnancy over the age of 35 is completely possible with the right planning and medical assistance. Therefore, women interested in pregnancy should research fertility issues, develop a reproductive life plan, and discuss possible complications.
The risk of infertility
Infertility is a medical issue that affects both males and females regardless of age. Oftentimes, infertility is caused by medical issues like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and uterine fibroids. Women that suspect fertility issues should consult an OB/GYN immediately. A physician can perform comprehensive infertility evaluations to determine the cause of pregnancy concerns.
Does age affect the quality of eggs?
Yes, age does have an impact on egg quality. Genetic and chromosomal abnormalities are more common in the eggs of women aged 35 and older. Doctors will perform an ovarian reserve test (ORT) which identifies the number of follicles within the ovaries. The follicles are small sacs that release eggs, and the ORT helps doctors determine the patient’s egg count. Other factors like lifestyle, stress, and the environment can also affect egg quality.
Pregnancy over the age of 40
Although researchers contend that pregnancy over the age is high-risk, successful pregnancies for women in this age group are still common. Birth rates for patients in the 40s continue to increase even though statistics show a 5% chance of getting pregnant over the age of 40. A healthy natural pregnancy at this age is possible with lifestyle changes like abstaining from smoking and illicit drugs, reducing alcohol intake, taking folic acid, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that involves high blood pressure and high protein levels in urine. A woman with preeclampsia can experience intense headaches, shortness of breath, blurry vision, nausea, vomiting, and belly pain. Preeclampsia can start around 20 weeks of pregnancy. This condition can cause serious health issues for both the mother and infant such as organ damage or even death. The risk for preeclampsia increases in patients aged 30 and over so the OB/GYN should be closely monitoring patients in this age range.
Creating a reproductive life plan
Many adults choose to have a child later in life due to better financial stability and mental maturity. Women can develop a reproductive life plan at any age and this tool helps patients plan and prepare for a pregnancy. Patients interested in getting pregnant should discuss this plan with an OB/GYN. Then, the doctor can review things like birth control, fertility testing and perform a pre-pregnancy care checkup. During the checkup, the doctor discusses diet, lifestyle, medical history, and medications with the patient. The doctor will identify any issues and help the patient address these concerns before conceiving a child.
Talk to a fertility specialist
Women interested in learning more about natural conception at any age should speak with an OB/GYN. Patients should also consider a reproductive life plan and discuss this plan with a partner and medical providers. A referral to a reproductive endocrinologist should be considered for any woman over 30.
