While the ‘what age will I get pregnant quiz’ is a popular online test, how viable is it? Well, there are a number of factors which come into consideration when trying to determine when you will be a parent and while it’s a fun quiz we think that a LOT more questions might provide a more accurate result. In today’s article we are going to discuss a few important factors that can give you a better idea of optimal times as well as the caveats therein so that you can make the decision for yourself with more confidence. Let’s talk about pregnancy and when it’s the best time!
What age range can a woman become a mom in, anyways?
Well, technically once the period starts in puberty and all the way up to menopause when it stops a woman can have a child. This makes the age range approximately 12 – 51 years. Fertility levels decline as a female ages but it is a slow effect over the years. So, what is the optimal time for a pregnancy? Should you wait until you’re older? There are pros and cons to having a baby in either case. Let’s talk about those a little.
Fertility and the effects of aging
When a woman is in her early 20’s she is at her most fertile. Risks associated with pregnancy are generally at their lowest and the woman is producing the highest number of fertilizable eggs. Is this the age that is recommended for pregnancy? Well, while it is the most optimal time to ensure a successful pregnancy (with chances of conception being at around 30% with 3 months of trying), generally the recommended age is going to be at 30.5 years of age.
So, why is 30.5 considered the optimal age? Well, the fertility 
cycle begins to decline at approximately age 32. By 35, odds of conceiving with 3 months of trying drop to about 12% and by 37 years of age a woman has about 25,000 eggs. After 35 then the odds of complications in a pregnancy begin to increase as well. Thus 30.5 is considered optimal as the fertility rate is still high and from a financial and emotional perspective a woman is considered to be better prepared for having and raising a child. When a woman reaches her 40’s she can still have children, of course, but it is quite a bit more difficult as odds of pregnancy occurring with 3 months of trying drop down to 7%. Older eggs are more susceptible to potential issues but if you are in your 40’s and trying to conceive then don’t panic. It may just mean more testing, vitamins, and other doctor recommended steps may be in store in order to help to ensure that your baby is born happy and healthy.
What are the benefits of having a child early vs. waiting?
Having a child in your 20’s or early 30’s greatly increases the chances of conception and also reduces the chances of complications. Basically, becoming a mother early is more beneficial to the child’s health. After 35 there are higher chances for issues such as:
- Preeclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- Miscarriage
- Premature birth
- Low infant birth weight
- High blood pressure
- The need for a caesarian delivery
These are just a few examples but as we have mentioned before, if you have been delaying starting a family your doctor can discuss with you potential issues and help to prepare a healthful regimen in order to help to minimize the risks.
What about fertility treatments?
Fertility treatments can greatly increase your chances of conception and may be a course that your doctor recommends for you. If you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year with no success then an appointment with a fertility specialist may be just what you need. You can also see a fertility specialist if you are in your mid-thirties or older and you’ve been trying to make a baby for at least 6 months or if you are over and have decided that you are ready to start a family. The type of treatment and recommendations that you will receive are going to depend on a number of factors, so an appointment is very much a necessity so that it may be determined why pregnancy has not yet occurred. Treatment examples include:
- Intrauterine insemination – A process where the uterus is directly fertilized during an ovulation cycle.
- In vitro fertilization – in this method sperm and egg are utilized in a lab to create an implantable embryo for your uterus.
- Fertility drugs – Various medications may be employed to increase ovulation.
- Surgery – In cases such as when the Fallopian tubes are blocked or there is endometriosis then your doctor may recommend a surgery session to mitigate the issue.
Is there anything that may be done at home to increase chances of conception?
As far as what you can do at home, it is generally recommended to just give a sharp focus to your overall health. Avoid or minimize alcohol intake, quit smoking, watch what you eat, and a healthy exercise regimen are all good things which you can do that can help to increase your chances of conception.
“Identify and take advantage of these ‘fertility windows.”
There are times of the month when your body is at its most fertile as well and a little research can help you to identify and take advantage of these ‘fertility windows’. Also, consider an appointment with a fertility specialist, as they may have some recommendations if you do not feel that you are quite yet ready to try the treatments which they recommend.
Some final words
As you can see, while those ‘when will I become pregnant’ type quizzes are amusing but there are actually a number of factors to consider when you are looking to conceive. We hope that this information has been helpful and remember, when in doubt, your fertility specialist is you friend!
