If you have postponed having children for any reason and you are already 40, you probably understand that this process can be more complicated. However, it does not become impossible. In fact, statistics show that the number of successful births after 40 has increased by 15% today. Thanks to advancements in medicine, there are many options that can help with conception. However, it is important to prepare for this — here are the facts to consider. What Are the Risks This is not meant to scare you, but the risks certainly increase after 40. A woman's reserve of eggs decreases with age, and with the remaining eggs, the likelihood of chromosomal issues, such as Down syndrome, congenital defects, and miscarriage, increases. Fortunately, modern screenings can accurately assess the likelihood of potential developmental abnormalities in the fetus. There are also additional issues concerning the mother herself, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, which should be initially checked by a doctor. If you are planning a pregnancy, regular monitoring at a women's clinic is necessary. What Are the Success Rates If you are worried about looking out of place among younger women in prenatal classes, rest assured — more and more women are postponing motherhood. Many celebrities have given birth after the age of 35 and later. However, the chances of conceiving naturally after 40 decrease, which is normal. At 40, the probability of getting pregnant within a year of trying is between 40 and 50%, while for a 30-year-old woman, this figure is 75%. By the age of 43, the likelihood of conception drops to 1-2%. This pertains to natural conception. There is also a popular method of IVF. The probability of having a baby per IVF cycle for women aged 40-42 may be around 15%, for women aged 43-44 it is 5-10%, and after 44 it drops to less than 5%. The type of IVF can be tailored based on age, health status, and other factors. How to Increase Fertility The main thing you can do to reduce conception problems or speed it up is to take care of your health. It is important to optimize your weight and body mass index (BMI), quit smoking, and reduce alcohol consumption. Proper nutrition also plays a significant role — if you monitor your diet, the need for additional supplements may be eliminated. However, if you do have a deficiency in any vitamins, it is worth addressing. All of this should be recommended by a doctor based on tests.
