Is there a right or wrong age to get pregnant? Today, many women are in no hurry to get pregnant. They address numerous other concerns before they decide to take up such a big responsibility and commitment. Many elders in the family strongly advise against a woman getting pregnant in her 30s – be it her first time or not.
Does any of this hold good scientifically and medically? Read on to find out.
Best Age For Pregnancy
So, for a woman, what is the right age to get pregnant? What factors influence this “right age”?
Over the years, the 20s were always considered the best age to get pregnant for women because of the high fertility and low risks. While the chances are still very high until a woman reaches her mid-30s, the chances of miscarriages also increase with age.
If you are planning to get pregnant in your 30s, you need to understand the risks involved and consider a few more factors for a safer pregnancy.
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Pregnancy After 30 Risks And Benefits
The age of both partners influences pregnancy. Though a woman in her 30s might still have the energy and stamina to go through pregnancies and care for a baby, nature takes its course and increases the risks involved. It can be both beneficial and risky to get pregnant after turning 30.
Risks Involved
If you are planning to get pregnant in your 30s, here are a few possible risks you need to be aware of:
Takes Time – The number of eggs available for reproduction comes down once a woman enters her 30s. Similarly, the sperm quality also comes down with age. With a lesser number of eggs and lower quality of sperms, it might take longer for successful conception.
Health Issues – As we all know, with age, comes many ailments. Now, add pregnancy and hormonal fluctuations to that and you have yourself a pretty tricky phase. Some pregnancies can be tough on the body and accelerate the occurrence of such ailments.
Pregnancy Complications –Gestational diabetes, hypertension, and a few other diseases are common during pregnancies. The chances of developing these are higher among women getting pregnant in their 30s.
Higher Chances Of C-Section Delivery – Existing ailments, pregnancy complications, and rigid body can increase the chances of cesarean delivery.
Chances Of Miscarriage –Higher the age of the pregnant woman, the higher the chances of miscarriage or stillbirth. This could be triggered due to a drop in the quality of eggs, or other biological restraints.
Baby’s Health – Sometimes, babies born to older women might have genetic issues. Doctors will keep a close watch on the foetus to rule out any defects in the spinal cord, down syndrome, or insufficient growth.
Possible Benefits
Getting pregnant in your 30s need not be a stressful or risky affair at all times. You can also enjoy numerous benefits like:
Stability – Many women need a few good years to attain stability in their relationships as well as careers. Stability in your life can offer stability to your child’s life.
Experience – You are bound to have at least a friend or two with children, who will be more than willing to share their pearls of wisdom. If you are planning for your next child in your 30s, you have good personal experience in handling one.
Maturity – With age comes many realisations, leading to a level of maturity one does not generally possess in their 20s. Women in their 30s tend to have more maturity about what to do, how to do and what they want.
Reduce Stress – It is natural to stress about getting or not getting pregnant. Stress can delay your chances of getting pregnant. Whether it is the attempts to get pregnant or anything else in life, try to reduce your stress. Get into activities that can help you de-stress.
Healthy Weight – Speaking about a woman’s weight is a big taboo but in reality, if you are overweight, it can have a direct impact on your chances of getting pregnant. Reducing your weight to bring it to the healthy range your doctor recommends, can help increase your pregnancy chances.
Food Habits – Eating a lot of junk or outside food can be convenient when you are busy with other things in life. However, eating more whole grains, vegetables, fish and less saturated fats can help improve your overall health, get your weight under control and improve fertility in both partners.
Exercise – A sedentary lifestyle has a big impact on the fertility of both men and women. On the other hand, if you are exercising regularly, your doctor might advise you to go easy on high-intensive or high-impact workouts like weight lifting, kickboxing, etc.
Though studies show you can continue exercising well into your pregnancy if your body is used to it, highly intensive exercises might cause you to skip your ovulation or cause trouble during implantation. High-impact exercises or heavy weight lifting are not recommended once you get pregnant. So, finding safer alternatives to keep yourself active can be a good idea.
How To Conceive Fast?
If you are keen on conceiving fast, here are a few tips:
Start tracking your menstrual cycle and note down your ovulation dates. Having sex on these days can improve your chances.
Follow a healthy diet, get active, and reduce stress.
Consult a fertility specialist who can help you in tracking your dates, understanding your challenges, and giving you sound medical guidance.
When medically recommended, opt for fertility treatments.
Conclusion
In general, the women fertility age can start decreasing in their 30s. This does not mean conceiving in her 30s can be difficult or risky for all women. A woman’s fertility age and pregnancy risks can vary from person to person.
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