Global Health Aging

Making life-changing decisions so early in life isn’t something everyone is ready to make, as there’s no real way to tell if you’re ready for that kind of commitment – not to mention any other kind of responsibilities you might have at that point in your life. If you’re over 35 and now thinking of having a child of your own, then there are some things you should know about it. First of all, of course, it’s possible – so long as your body is able, it’s possible for you to be a parent after 35. With that said, it can depend on the individual, and there are some complications that can come with it.

It’s said that it’s a different experience as you get older, your body changes, it’s no longer considered the prime age for fertility, and your body might not be as prepared for it as it was during your 20s, for example. Does that mean you shouldn’t try? Well, if you’re looking to start a family, it’s certainly worth considering!

Asking for help is normal

As mentioned before, after the age of 35, your fertility odds may be much lower – which means conception could prove to be quite difficult, but your options aren’t exhausted yet. You shouldn’t hesitate to get help with your conception, as natural conception might not even be possible at this point. Some may try for months to years with no avail, and if you’re ready now, you won’t want to wait that long!

Speaking to your doctor can help you to get some insight into what the problem might be, as well as what you could do about it. Whether it’s through medication or conception through medical methods, you can decide what you feel is best for you and your partner. This process might require blood tests, an ultrasound, semen analysis, and even an x-ray. 

It can be risky

Along with the risk that your fertility will be lower, there’s also an increased risk of harm to your baby. There are genetic risks that can increase with age, and down syndrome. It’s still a very low risk, but as you get older, that risk increases by almost 5x by the time you reach 35. Of course, that’s a risk that many families are willing to take, but you have to be ready for the possibilities of childbirth injuries – which you can learn more about at www.childbirthinjuries.com/

There’s also an elevated risk of miscarriage. Your body isn’t as ready to have a baby as it was maybe 10 years ago, and depending on the individual, pregnancies around the age of 45 can have a 74% chance of miscarriage. This is due to the declining quality of eggs that your body produces, which declines with age. It might be worth consulting your doctor about this before you try for a baby yourself.

These are just a couple of the risks that come with conceiving a baby at an older age, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for you to start a family once you’re past the age of 35. Everyone is different, and your and your partner’s health plays a huge role in how successful your baby’s birth is.

Partner age is important

It’s not just your fertility that you’ve got to worry about, it’s your partner’s fertility that’s important too. While you might feel responsible for your difficulty to conceive, it could be that your partner’s fertility has also declined. It’s essential that you have tests done when you notice that you’re having trouble conceiving. 

Your partner’s age and health may also be tied to the increased genetic and miscarriage risks, so don’t hesitate to get a second opinion if you feel like your body isn’t ready for a baby.

Lifestyle changes

You want to make sure your pregnancy is as healthy as possible, which means you might have to make certain lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial to your fertility, so consider that when you’re trying to conceive.

Your mental health is a key factor in how well your body functions, so both for conception and pregnancy, stress is something you should try to reduce as much as possible. If you’re working an intense job or living a hectic life, it’s time to consider slowing down so that you give your baby a better chance.

Then there are also dietary choices to factor in, and you may have to cut down on things like sugar and caffeine. Doing so may also improve your fertility, but not for everyone.