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Embracing motherhood in late 30s? It’s not too late, says expert

Several couples want to conceive once they feel 'settled' in life. But if you have concerns about fertility in late 30s, read on!
Motherhood in late 30s is possible! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Rita Bakshi Published: 20 Apr 2022, 15:48 pm IST
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Age is just a number when it comes to fertility in the modern age. Motherhood is a blessing, and it is rightly said that sooner is always better. Planning a baby is completely an independent decision of the couple, but health is a point of concern. Several people wonder about the level of fertility in late 30s.

Every couple has unique physical and mental health structure. Many couples hold over their pregnancy to their 30s. It is possible to have a healthy pregnancy even at an advanced age. However, complications in pregnancy can crop up at any age. Pregnancy during 20s or early 30s has fewer complications. It is suggested to be watchful about your physical and reproductive if the couple plans baby during the mid or late 30s.

Keep a check on your fertility health! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Conception does not happen as per the couple plans. Some perfectly healthy couples may take more time to conceive than usual. Women are born with all the eggs and the quality of eggs declines as the age increases. It is suggested that women should get pregnant before the age of 35, so that they can conceive organically.

What are the reasons for delayed pregnancy ?

The common reasons of late pregnancy are:
* Financial stability
* Mental preparedness before welcoming a child.
* Medical issues

We live in times when women have other life goals apart from bearing children. They have higher goals, including higher education and building a career. Financial independence is the priority of today’s couples ensure a good life for their children. Bearing the responsibility of a child and being mentally prepared for it is considered important. Age is not a bar to get pregnant if a woman is physically fit and healthy. Pregnancy and motherhood at any age depend upon the physical and mental health of the women. It is better late than never to embrace pregnancy and motherhood.

Due to the prevailing reasons, many couples show interest in planning their babies in their 30s. The likelihood of conceiving organically is high before mid-30s. Fertility in late 30s drops. Male fertility also declines with increasing age, but the rate is lower than women.

Male and female fertility can decline with age. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

How to protect and improve your fertility in late 30s

* Avoid smoking and alcohol.
* Reduce the intake of sugar and caffeine.
* Maintain ideal your weight, exercise and eat well-balanced, nutritional diet.

A bit of lifestyle changes and a change in food habits can help you achieve your goals. It’s a good idea to stay fit and retain a healthy weight.

Discuss your heath background with your doctor. A woman can conceive even in her middle age by using assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Stay happy and manage stress to avoid hormonal imbalance. There is no evidence that women cannot conceive after their mid-30s. The couple needs to be in good health and positive frame of mind. Take adequate sleep and avoid stress.

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Also Read: Planning a pregnancy in your 30s? Do NOT skip these tests at any cost

Technology has made it possible for women to find a solution to infertility issues. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Options to explore if you find fertility problems in late 30s

ART is a technique of assisting the couples to conceive and fulfill their dream of having a baby. It is not surprising that as maternal age increases, health risks may increase for both new mothers and their infants. Despite the risks, if couple is practicing healthy habits, such as watching weight, not smoking, eating right and exercising. After a certain age also, women may get pregnant down the road and may very well be able to have children.

In the last few years, Assisted Reproductive Technologies have emerged as one of the most widely adopted and successful medical technologies. It is extending the boundaries of biological reproduction. Couples can plan their family and embrace parenthood. It is a ray of hope to millions of couples suffering from infertility.

Be aware of the risks before planning a baby later in life. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Risks involved in advanced maternal age

However, there are some risks involved and complications associated with carrying a child and giving birth as a woman ages. These can be hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, abnormal placentation, preterm deliveries, still births, and cesarean deliveries.

As the women reach late 30s or 40s, some complications start to arise. A pregnant woman more than 35 years of age falls in the high-risk group. Risk of ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, and chance of caesarean delivery increases.
But it’s helpful to be wide awake of the possible risks, so that you can find possible solutions for them. Getting pregnant till the age is 50 years is possible and permissible as per the new law.

It is suggested for women to have a pre-conception counselling before planning a pregnancy. AMH declines rapidly after a certain age and woman might need some ovulation induction drugs or injections to conceive.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a blessing for those who suffer from infertility. With today’s advancements, there are no longer biological constraints to pregnancy even after menopause. But it must be kept into consideration that is the woman is healthy and fit enough to take care of her baby.

The last words

Recreating motherhood is possible today in medical science, but we need to make responsible choices regardless of age. It is rightly said, ‘the sooner the better’.

It is better late than never to embrace pregnancy and motherhood. Women who wish to delay their pregnancy can think of oocyte or embryo freezing to preserve their fertility. A big difference can be made by following a healthy lifestyle and regular workout.

Taking these steps can make a big difference in having a healthy pregnancy and baby. Understand the risks and follow the instructions given by your doctor. There are a variety of options you can explore if you’re looking to grow your family. If you are careful and maintain a healthy lifestyle you can conceive successfully.

Dr Rita Bakshi

Dr Rita Bakshi, Founder, RISAA IVF   ...Read More

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