Getting Pregnant After 35: A Guide To Fertility & Beyond

Getting Pregnant After 35: A Guide to Fertility and Beyond

Navigating the Later Years of Fertility

Getting pregnant after 35 is becoming increasingly common as women delay childbirth for various reasons, including career advancements, personal goals, or simply a desire to wait. While there are unique challenges associated with later pregnancies, it’s important to understand that it’s still entirely possible to conceive and have a healthy baby at this age, and our team is here to help you understand your options.

Understanding Fertility Changes

First, you may be wondering why getting pregnant after age 35 can be more difficult. As women age, their fertility naturally declines due to a decrease in the quality and quantity of eggs, which sometimes results in an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities. However, it’s crucial to remember that many women have healthy pregnancies and babies at 35 and beyond!

Tips for Increasing Fertility:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or underweight can affect fertility. Aim for a healthy lifestyle!
• Eat a balanced diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can improve overall health and fertility.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine: Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption can reduce fertility.
• Manage stress: High levels of stress can negatively impact fertility. Consider relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Consider prenatal vitamins: Even before conception, taking prenatal vitamins can help prepare your body for pregnancy and provide essential nutrients which are critical during early pregnancy.
• Seek help from a fertility expert: If you’re having difficulty conceiving, consult with a healthcare provider like your OB/GYN or a specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). They can evaluate your fertility and recommend appropriate treatments for you. Currently, ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) recommends that women aged 35 years or older who have been trying to conceive for  6 months or longer should seek a consultation with a fertility doctor.

Common Fertility Treatments:

The most common fertility treatments for women 35 years of age or older are Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI): This procedure involves depositing sperm directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. The sperm can be from your partner, or in cases of no male partner or male-factor infertility, you can use sperm from a sperm donor.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): An IVF cycle involves stimulating a woman’s ovaries to produce many eggs which are retrieved during a quick in-office surgical procedure. The eggs are placed in a petri dish and fertilized with sperm in an embryology laboratory. Once the embryos are approximately 5 days old and at the blastocyst stage, they are biopsied and frozen. The biopsies are sent to a specialized lab to undergo preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to determine if they are genetically normal (euploid) or not (aneuploid). The patient then undergoes a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle where her endometrium is prepped and one of the euploid embryos is transferred into her uterus.  IVF with PGT is an excellent treatment option offering high success rates, and any leftover euploid embryos remain frozen for use in trying to conceive again in the future (via FET cycle) without having to go through another full IVF cycle.

These treatments are shown to have a high success rate for many women. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your physician to determine the best treatment option for you.

Beyond Conception:

Once pregnant, it’s essential to receive regular prenatal care. Typically, your fertility doctor will continue to care for you throughout your early pregnancy until you are approximately 8 weeks’ gestation. Once you reach the 8-week mark and a fetal heartbeat is detected, you typically “graduate” to resume prenatal care with your OB/GYN! Your OB/GYN provider will monitor your pregnancy, address any concerns, and continue to partner with you through delivery and postpartum.

Planning For Success

By understanding the changes in your fertility, making healthy lifestyle choices, and seeking appropriate medical guidance, you can increase your chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby. Remember, every woman’s journey is unique, and with patience and perseverance, you can achieve your goal of becoming a mother.