Getting pregnant at 40

Many women report this, but do people really hear the biological clock ticking? Well, science confirms it: if and when you can get pregnant of course also depends on your age. In fact, when it comes to fertility, the earlier you have children, the better. This also applies to the risk factor in terms of genetic defects. The time span between 20 and 30 is often described as the ideal time to have children. But even in your early 30s, the probability of pregnancy is still at a good level. From the age of 35, fertility slowly decreases and the risk of genetic defects tends to increase. In addition, anovulatory cycles occur more frequently from this age forward. In addition, the sperm quality of men also slowly decreases from the age of 35.

Of course, the actual time it takes to get pregnant also depends on lifestyle and the correct determination of the fertile phase. Syncing your lifestyle with your cycle can therefore positively influence and accelerate this process. According to science, the average time to get pregnant after the age of 40 is about 26 months.

For women in their early twenties, the probability of getting pregnant per cycle is about 25-30 %. From the age of 35, the probability drops to about 10-15 %. From the age of over 40, the probability of getting pregnant per month is around 5-8 %. With advancing age, the probability decreases further and it becomes more difficult to get pregnant. However, this does not mean that pregnancy is impossible. Ideal conditions are a lifestyle that supports optimal health and fertility, and the correct determination of the fertile phase in the cycle.

It is important to note that individual studies often use different parameters to calculate the probability of conception, which is why they sometimes differ greatly in their results. Ultimately, such statistical models and compilations are merely approximations and the results are not intended to be unsettling or absolute.

The five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself are defined (based on the viability of the egg and sperm) as a woman’s fertile days. The probability of becoming pregnant is very high during this period, and science confirms this. The days with the maximum probability of conception are the two days before ovulation. With increasing age, anovulatory cycles occur more frequently and pregnancy becomes less likely as a result. Once a woman has fully entered menopause – which also means that she hasn’t had a period for a prolonged period of time – it is usually no longer possible to fall pregnant. 

It is not possible to limit fertility to a specific age. Women who ovulate regularly can still get pregnant in the early stages of the menopause. Therefore, you should make sure to use contraception even in this phase of life if you do not wish to conceive. The following applies here: If there has been no period for at least one year during this stage of life, it is usually no longer necessary to use contraception.

Even though anovulatory cycles occur more frequently with advancing age, regular ovulation usually still takes place and there is definitely a chance of conception and a healthy pregnancy. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the risk of genetic defects also tends to increase with advancing age.

Research confirms that women nowadays decide to have their first child later and later. However, even if you don’t want to have children until you are 40, you still have a good chance of getting pregnant naturally. To increase your chances of getting pregnant, the following tips can be helpful:

• Get to know your cycle well to know exactly when you’re fertile. A cycle tracker can be very helpful.
• Make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet that is adapted to the individual phases of your cycle to support optimal fertility.
• Make sure you make room for enough relaxation and balance in your everyday life. In a state of stress, your body does not consider reproduction a priority.
• Make sure you get enough quality sleep.
• If you smoke, give up this bad habit once and for all!
• Avoid alcohol and consume caffeine only in moderation.
• Exercise regularly and sync your exercise programme with the different phases of your cycle.
• Make sure you have a good supply of micronutrients.

“Older” parents often describe themselves as more balanced in dealing with their children. They are also more likely to have financial security compared to their early twenties. Parents who have already reached a certain age also often have more time and resources for childcare. With a late pregnancy, parenthood is usually perceived as very fortunate. However, there are of course not only advantages in the case of a late pregnancy. Couples who still want to get pregnant at 40 usually hear about the following risks:

• an increased risk of a chromosomal disorder (Down’s syndrome)
• an increased risk of miscarriage
• an increased risk of thrombosis
• the risk of amniotic fluid embolism

It is indeed the case that the likelihood of a chromosomal disorder such as Down’s syndrome comes with an increased risk of miscarriage. If a fertilized egg has severe genetic defects, it usually dies within a short time – so these short pregnancies often go unnoticed. But what is it about the increased risk of thrombosis? Well, the body changes the clotting system in the course of pregnancy so that not too much blood is lost during birth. It should be mentioned here: if you compare this risk factor with the risk of thrombosis in smokers, women with obesity and pregnant women with a BMI over 30, age is a relatively low risk factor for thrombosis. A Canadian study from 2006 found that pregnant women over 35 have a higher risk of suffering an amniotic fluid embolism. However, the researchers of this study also emphasise that the risk is directly related to medical induction of labour – regardless of age, 50 % of all births with these complications in the study were medically induced.

Even though the chances for conception and pregnancy at this age are lower than in the early twenties, it is still not impossible to achieve. It’s important to prepare well, have a good dose of hope and patience, and give your miracle enough time to find you.