A recent study has found that there has been a rise in the number of women becoming mothers after the age of 30. And with our ever-changing professional and personal lives it brings us to the question: How easy is it to have a baby in your 30s? How fertile are women after 30? Are there any risks associated with having a baby in your 30s? Time to find some answers!
Understanding fertility in women above 30: Busting myths
There are several myths about fertility in women above the age of 30 that you may have heard. It’s time to bust them once and for all:
Myth 1: Women become infertile beyond the age of 30
One common misconception is that once women hit 30, they are no longer fertile. While it is true that fertility does decline with age and that it is more difficult to conceive, it does not cease entirely. In fact, according to a research conducted by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, women in their early 30s had a 20% chance of becoming pregnant each month, while women in their late 30s still had a 10% chance of conceiving naturally.
Myth 2: It’s not possible to have a healthy baby after 30
It is absolutely possible to have healthy children after the age of 30, however, risk factors for genetic conditions do increase. Chromosomal abnormalities can lead to a variety of health conditions, including Down syndrome, Edward’s syndrome, and Patau syndrome. The likelihood of these conditions rises steeply with age. For example, the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome at age 35 is 1 in 365, rising to 1 in 100 at age 40.
Myth 3: Pregnant women beyond the age of 30 will develop health issues
Another myth is that women who become pregnant beyond the age of 30 are more likely to have health issues. While pregnant women in this age bracket may have a slightly higher risk of certain health concerns such as – gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, the vast majority of women and their kids remain healthy.
While we are able to debunk some common myths, we can not ignore the fact that getting pregnant beyond 30 does come with a few risks. Some of them are listed below:
- Preterm birth
As you get older, chances of having a preterm baby rise significantly. Premature delivery can cause a variety of health issues for the infant, including breathing issues, cardiac issues, and mental impairment.
- Low birth weight
As you become older, your chance of having a low-birth-weight baby rises. Low birth weight can cause a variety of health issues for the baby, such as developmental delays and learning difficulties.
- Chromosomal abnormalities
As mentioned above, chromosomal abnormalities are a considerable risk for late pregnancies. These chromosomal anomalies can result in health issues for the newly born. Thankfully, genetic testing can help determine if this is likely.
It is important to note that everyone’s pregnancy is different and while some risks may be prevalent for others, they may not be the same for you. It is recommended to talk to your doctor for better understanding of your fertility.
Early fertility testing: Why is it important
As someone planning to start a family in your 30s, early fertility testing is one of the most important things you can do. Fertility testing can help you to identify any potential issues that could influence your fertility, giving you the time to address them effectively and increase your chances of getting pregnant when the time is right.
If you are considering a fertility test for women, it is important to do a little reading beforehand so you can understand the types of tests available, what they do, and what insights they can give you into your fertility:
- Blood tests
Blood tests help to measure your hormone levels, which can offer information regarding ovulation and egg quality. Hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestrogen, and progesterone may be tested.
- Transvaginal ultrasound
A painless examination of the female reproductive system, a transvaginal ultrasound is a typical test used to examine the uterus. It is considered a more precise method of examination than an abdominal ultrasound.
- Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test
This test can indicate the number of eggs in a woman’s ovaries by measuring the levels of an Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in the body. AMH is a hormone generated by follicles in the ovaries, and its levels are linked to a woman’s “ovarian reserve.” A large ovarian reserve is suggestive of good fertility and a low ovarian reserve might suggest issues with the ovaries and potential fertility problems.
- Saline hysterography (aqua scan)
Blockages in the fallopian tubes, uterine abnormalities like polyps, adhesions, or scar tissue, or even a septum that you were born may cause implantation failure or miscarriage. A saline hysterography or aqua scan, can help to check for any possible obstructions. Through a tiny catheter, a sterile saline is injected into the uterine cavity. After that, an ultrasound scan is used to check for abnormalities.
Based on your case history, your fertility specialist may recommend additional tests for a smoother pregnancy journey.
Starting a family in your 30s: Top tips
Starting a family in your 30s can be overwhelming and quite challenging. Here are a few tips which can help you get started:
- Have sex regularly
- Track your ovulation cycle
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake
- Focus on having a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Regulate your body weight
- Do what you can to reduce stress
If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than 12 months, it is advised to consult your doctor or a fertility specialist. Based on your health and the findings of any tests, they may recommend advanced treatments like:
- In-vitro fertilisation (IVF)
In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a method of fertilising eggs with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilised eggs are subsequently inserted in the uterus to develop into a baby. This treatment has resulted in many successful pregnancies for those unable to conceive naturally.
- Fertility medicines
Fertility medicine is a rapidly evolving field which can help your chances of getting pregnant. There are multiple medicines which can improve egg production, trigger ovulation and suppress production of hormones which interfere with fertility. It is recommended to consult your doctor before taking any medication.
- Surgical intervention
Surgical procedures can be used to address a wide range of reproductive issues, including blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and fibroids. These surgeries can increase the likelihood of conception and pregnancy. The procedures, however, do pose a risk of infection and bleeding. Before making a choice, it is critical to consult with your fertility doctor about the risks and advantages of surgical intervention.
Starting your family
While it’s important to understand that everyone’s reproductive journey is different, age alone does not define a person’s capacity to conceive. Starting a family in your 30s is still a possibility and with the right guidance and treatment, you too can improve your chances of having a healthy baby. Remember that you are not alone in this and there is plenty of help available.
