Childbearing Age

The childbearing age is a term that is used for an age when women are normally able to give birth to children. Women can get pregnant and carry kids from puberty when they start getting their menstrual period to menopause when they stop getting it. The years between ages 12 and 51 are the average women’s reproductive years. Fertility is naturally declining as a woman gets older and this can make it harder for you to conceive. And when you have a family later in your life, then this can increase your risk for pregnancy complications.

Experts are saying that the best years to get pregnant are between the late 20s and early 30s. This period is associated with the best outcomes for you and your baby. One study was noticed that the ideal age to give birth to a first child is 30.5. But, your age is just one factor which you should think about if you want to get pregnant. Also, you need to consider your emotional and financial readiness to start a family. This timing is unique for each woman. So, you should consider all factors. Most of the women of childbearing ages are healthy.

They can visit a primary health care provider for routine health care and for the investigation of specific problems. Also, women of childbearing age have health care needs related to sexuality. The need for contraception and the need for the prevention and treatment of vaginal and sexually transmitted infections. Pregnancy is a time of change for every woman. The shape of a woman’s body is changing and relationships change as women and their families are planning to add the newborn to their family structure.

Many women who are healthy can get pregnant in their 30s or even when they are in their 40s, so they will have healthy babies. It is very important to eat a healthy diet and have a healthy lifestyle, so you will be having increased chances of getting a healthier baby. Also, regular visits with your doctor will help you to know how healthy you are.

Childbearing Age and Fertility:

As we have mentioned earlier, for women, fertility peaks in their late teens and early 20s, and it can start to decline by age 30. In one analysis was recorded that around one in 4 healthy women in their 20s or early 30s become pregnant per menstrual cycle, while the same is true for 1 in 10 healthy women by age of 40. This is happening because as a woman gets older, the supply and viability of eggs decline. Also, your hormones can shift which makes it more difficult for the body to support a healthy pregnancy.

Also, age may correspond with an increased risk of conditions such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Both factors can affect your fertility. Endometriosis is involving tissue similar to the uterine lining growing beyond the uterus. This tissue can block off or change the shape of reproductive organs, which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg. Also, this condition can cause the immune system to attack an embryo. But, many women with endometriosis can conceive and carry babies to term. Also, age can affect male fertility too, but the decline in males is less predictable than it is in women.

Also, the age of 45 years in a male can make conceiving more difficult. Also, this can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Older paternal age can increase the risk for seizures; heart disease; low birth weight; pre-eclampsia; gestational diabetes; cleft palate; genetic abnormalities and pregnancy loss. As we have said, your chances of getting pregnant are decreasing as you are getting older. After 3 months of trying to conceive, your chances of conceiving during your next cycle are:

• 18% at age 25
• 16% at age 30
• 12% at age 30
• 7% at age 40

There are other factors that can reduce your chances of getting pregnant, such as

• Pelvic infection
• Cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy
• Smoking

Benefits of getting pregnant at certain ages:

In the United States is noticed that women are waiting for longer than ever to get pregnant. The average time for first–time moms is nearly 27. Childbirth rates have grown among females in their 30s and dropped among those in their 20s.

• Benefits of delaying starting a family: When you wait to start a family, it can have some benefits for you. You will have more time to save up your money, establish your relationship and become more financially secure for your child. Also, age can bring you wisdom and patience. Also, there are some studies that children born to older parents achieve higher levels of education. Also, holding off on pregnancy can have advantages for you too. In one study done in 2012 was said that women who gave birth to their last or only child at age 40 or older had a lower risk for getting uterine cancer.
• Benefits of having children at a younger age: When you are a younger mother, then it is having bigger benefits for your baby’s health. Your chances of getting pregnant are increased in your late 20s or early 30s. When you are getting pregnant during this time, it will reduce your chances of having a pregnancy complication.

Risks of getting pregnant at age 35 and older:

When you are 35 years and older, then you have increased risks for pregnancy, such as

• Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome
• Infant low birth weight
• Heavy bleeding after delivery
• Need for a cesarean delivery
• Stillbirth
• Premature birth
• Miscarriage
• Placenta previa
• Preeclampsia
• High blood pressure
• Gestational diabetes

When to visit a doctor for fertility questions?

It is a very common problem for many people to have fertility problems. More than 12% of women have problems with getting pregnant. If you have not been able to get pregnant, then a fertility specialist can make tests to see why you are not conceiving and offer you treatments to improve your chances of a pregnancy. You should see a fertility specialist if you:

• You are 35 years or younger and you have been trying to get pregnant for a year
• You are over 35 years and you have been trying to conceive for more than six months
• You are over 40 years and you would like to start a family

Your doctor will recommend fertility treatment depending on factors like the cause of your fertility problems, preferences, and age. Some options include:

• Zygote intrafallopian transfer and gamete intrafallopian transfer (it is a process when the sperm and egg or a fertilized egg is placed into your fallopian tube)
• In vitro fertilization (it is a process when the sperm and egg are placed together in a lab until they form an embryo, which then is implanted into your uterus)
• Intrauterine insemination (it is a process when the sperm is placed directly into your uterus during ovulation)
• Surgery is done to fix uterine conditions, such as blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids or endometriosis
• Fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation

Tips for conception:

If you want to get pregnant and you want to increase your chances of doing it, then you can do a few things which can help you, such as

• Limit caffeine and alcohol: In some studies are said that the excess amount of caffeine (more than 2 or 3 cups of coffee on daily basis) is increasing the risk for miscarriage. Also, frequent alcohol use can prolong the time it takes you to get pregnant it is harmful to fetal development.
• Watch your diet: When you eat a high-fat diet, then it can lead to weight gain and it can disrupt your reproductive cycle.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can damage your egg supply and this can make you more likely to miscarry if you get pregnant.
• Get a healthy weight: The ideal body mass index is between 19 and 24. If you are overweight or underweight, then it can affect your ability to ovulate.

There are some tips that can help you for increasing your chances of getting a healthy baby, such as

• Take good care of your body: You should get enough sleep. Include regular exercise in your life. You need to follow a healthy eating plan. You should not smoke or drink alcohol.
• Treat health problems: If you have any conditions which can increase your risk of pregnancy, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, then you need to treat them.
• Regular visits with obstetrician: You should see your obstetrician for a preconception visit to make sure that you are healthy enough to get pregnant. Then, you should keep up with all of your scheduled pregnancy visits. When you see it regularly, will help your doctor to monitor you and your baby’s health and address any problems that arise.