Current trends and biology
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the average age of women giving birth to their first child increased from 21.4 in 1970 to 26.8 in 2017.
A similar trend can be observed in the United Kingdom: while in 1920 women gave birth at an average age of 25.6, by 2018 this age had risen to 29. Having your first child after the age of 30 has become the norm in modern society. However, these changes primarily affect social and cultural norms, while the biology of the female body remains unchanged. Physiologically, a woman’s body is governed by an internal biological clock and does not adapt to individual plans for professional or personal growth. Therefore, when planning a family, it is important to consider biological limitations, especially in the context of fertility and egg quality.
How age affects fertility and the onset of menopause
With age, the number of antral follicles in the ovaries inevitably decreases and the quality of eggs deteriorates. Eggs are formed before a woman is born and accumulate damage over the years, which reduces their ability to be fertilised and increases the risk of genetic abnormalities. The approach of menopause is accompanied by the cessation of menstrual cycles, loss of ovulation and a decrease in endometrial sensitivity. Although ovarian hormone function does not decline immediately, its decline affects a woman’s overall health, especially the cardiovascular system and metabolism.
Optimal reproductive age and risks of late motherhood
From a reproductive medicine perspective, the best age for conceiving your first child is between 20 and 28 years old. The second child should be conceived before the age of 35. During this period, the eggs are of the highest quality and the woman’s body can cope with pregnancy more easily.
After the age of 35, the risks for the mother and foetus increase: the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, becomes higher. The load on the cardiovascular system increases, the risk of gestational complications, such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, rises, and the frequency of surgical interventions during childbirth increases.
Planning a pregnancy after 35: what is important to consider
Late motherhood requires more careful preparation. Women are advised to undergo a full diagnostic workup, including assessment of ovarian reserve (ultrasound, AMH analysis), genetic testing of both partners, and consultation with an endocrinologist and gynaecologist.
Weight and lifestyle changes increase the chances of success. Medication may be required to stabilise hormone levels and reduce the risk of blood clots. Sometimes surgical intervention is necessary to remove fibroids or polyps. Psychological readiness for pregnancy and support from specialists also play an important role.
Reproductive technologies after 40
Even after 40, thanks to advances in ART, it is possible to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Both the patient’s own eggs and donor eggs are used. In complex cases, IVF with egg donation, IVF with double donation or surrogacy are used.
If the ovarian reserve is depleted, if ovarian surgery has been performed or hereditary diseases have been identified, a donor programme may be a suitable option. The main condition is a healthy endometrium and the ability of the uterus to implant. ART methods are constantly being improved, including nuclear transfer and mitochondrial techniques.
Comparison of the advantages of late and early motherhood
Late pregnancy is often the result of a conscious choice.
Women achieve emotional maturity, financial stability and more stable relationships. This creates favourable conditions for raising a child. At the same time, young mothers have better physiological indicators: higher quality eggs, lower risk of genetic disorders, high probability of natural childbirth and minimal chronic diseases.
How to preserve fertility if you are postponing motherhood
If a woman does not plan to become pregnant in the near future, it is worth assessing her reproductive prospects in advance. Modern medicine offers the possibility of freezing eggs at a young age. This is especially relevant for those who want to postpone motherhood for social or medical reasons.
It is important to treat gynaecological diseases in a timely manner, lead an active and healthy lifestyle, and give up smoking and alcohol. All of this directly affects the quality of eggs and future reproductive success.
Medical support at all stages
Physiologically, the most favourable age for having children is between 20 and 35 years old. However, thanks to advances in reproductive medicine, the boundaries of what is possible are expanding. The main thing is to consult specialists in a timely manner and receive personalised support. The team at the Natuvitro reproductive medicine clinic helps its patients from the planning stage to childbirth, creating the conditions for the birth of a healthy child regardless of age.
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