Medically Reviewed By Experts Panel
The ideal age to get pregnant varies from person to person, but generally speaking, women are most fertile and have the best chance of getting pregnant in their 20s and early 30s. This is because a woman’s fertility declines gradually as she ages, with a more rapid decline after the age of 35.
That said, the average age of first-time mothers has been on the rise. Women are waiting to get pregnant, first spending time investing in their careers, relationships, and hobbies before settling down. Today, many women are in no hurry to get pregnant. They address numerous other concerns before they decide to take up such a big responsibility and commitment.
So looking at the contemporary scenario, there’s no “best age” to get pregnant. The decision to start a family is many a time dictated by your age and your readiness to be a parent.
Here is a look at how your biological clock is working.
- In your 20s
When you are in your 20s, it is the time when you have the highest number of good quality eggs available and your pregnancy risks are lowest. In your 20, you also have a lower chance of miscarrying, chromosomal disorders, having gestational diabetes, blood pressure and more likely to be fitter and healthier. Biologically, 20s might be the best age, but one definitely needs to consider other factors as well before welcoming a baby.
- In your 30s
At age 30, fertility slowly starts to decrease. Most women don’t have trouble early in the decade. The greatest change in your fertility during your 30s occurs after age 35. The number and quality of the eggs begins to decrease. It becomes much more difficult to get pregnant. The risk for miscarriage and genetic abnormalities also begins to rise after age 35. You might face more complications in your pregnancy or during delivery having a baby later in life. If you’re over 35 and haven’t been able to conceive after six months of trying, you may want to schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist. If you are looking to become pregnant after 30 or 35, experts suggest planning the first pregnancy before 37 years old. This increases the chances of having at least one child before fertility declines further.
- In your 40s
While fertility does decline naturally as we age, starting around age 30, it is possible to become pregnant without intervention after age 40. Childbirth at older ages has become more common too. It is still possible to get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby in your 40s.
In your 40s you’re far more likely to develop problems like high blood pressure and diabetes during pregnancy as well as placental problems and birth complications. You’re at higher risk of a small or preterm baby. Women older than 40 are more likely to deliver a low-birth-weight or preterm baby. Better to consult your doctor for a safe pregnancy.
No age is perfect but the fact is some ages are better as compared to others, if a woman is trying to get pregnant. Late 20s is the best age biologically to get pregnant. This is because the body’s reproductive system and all other systems are at their peak. If you get pregnant after 35, experts call this an “advanced maternal age” pregnancy. But in today’s scenario where families are small and women are working full-time, early pregnancy isn’t ideal for many. It is better to consult your doctor, gynaecologist or health care specialist before starting a family to seek your ideal phase and age.
