What to know if you are considering pregnancy after 35
As modern society has evolved, more women have decided to delay motherhood because of personal or career goals. David T. Vandermolen MD, MS, our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor, and the team at ArkLaTex Fertility strive to maximize our patients’ success, optimizing pregnancy odds given advanced maternal age. We offer leading-edge diagnosis and treatment of infertility to ensure positive outcomes and healthy babies for those pursuing pregnancy after 35.
A quick refresher of female biology
Although men continue to produce sperm well past middle age, women are born with all the eggs that they will ever have. When a young woman enters puberty, those eggs mature, and one is typically released each month during a regular menstrual cycle. As women age, the quality and quantity of eggs declines, which makes conceiving at an advanced maternal age more difficult. Additionally, pregnancy after 35 comes with increased risks of miscarriage and/or chromosomal abnormalities.
Tips for succeeding with pregnancy after 35
Dr. Vandermolen believes that age is just one factor in conceiving, and that patients of all ages deserve to accomplish their goals for creating or expanding their families. When patients visit our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor, he develops a personalized fertility treatment plan to deliver the best outcome. For patients planning pregnancy after 35, we offer several suggestions.
- Schedule a preconception visit. Before you get started with Operation Baby-Making, schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN to review your medical history and discuss any existing concerns about trying to conceive.
- Understand the time frame. For women who try to have babies after 35, it often takes longer to get pregnant than their younger counterparts. If you don’t have any luck after six months of trying, consider visiting a fertility specialist to seek assistance.
- Commit to getting healthy. A healthy diet and regular exercise promote overall well-being, which can also impact your reproductive health.
- Make optimal lifestyle choices. Limit caffeine intake, and avoid alcohol and tobacco altogether, while actively working to get pregnant.
It is often said that good things come to those who wait. Pregnancy after 35 can be challenging, but the ArkLaTex Fertility team will help you navigate the whole process. Call our office for more information on fertility and advanced maternal age.