If you’re looking to get pregnant, you might be wondering what factors might impact your ability to conceive. Research shows that age is the No. 1 thing that affects fertility. Women in their 20s and 30s have a 25% chance of getting pregnant in any one menstrual cycle while women in their 40s have a 44% chance of getting pregnant within a year.
Your likelihood of getting pregnant drops as you age because the amount of eggs you have in your ovaries diminishes over time. The fewer eggs you have, the less likely you are to become pregnant.
However, just because getting pregnant in your 40s is more difficult, it doesn’t make it impossible. If you plan to have a child in your 40s, you should seek a fertility specialist sooner rather than later.
Our fertility specialist team at the Center for Human Reproduction located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City, New York, wants you to know that it’s not too late to start planning your family. Here are some ways you can optimize your fertility to make your journey to pregnancy easier.
One of the best things you can do for your fertility is to make any necessary changes to your diet. You can do this by eating foods rich in antioxidants and fiber and avoiding foods high in trans fats and refined carbohydrates. You can also work to cut back on the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume.
All of these dietary choices have been linked to decreased problems with infertility.
Exercise is a part of any healthy lifestyle, including if you’re trying to get pregnant. However, it’s important to note that you can overdo it when it comes to being active. Excessive, high-intensity exercise has been linked to infertility. So, while working out and being active is vital, make sure you pace yourself.
Also, take the time to relax. Stress is linked to infertility, so don’t forget to balance exercise and times of rest.
If you have low iron levels, studies show this could contribute to infertility. If you take some iron supplements along with a multivitamin, they can help your body get the nutrients it needs for you to be able to get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy.
Sleep – or lack thereof – can affect your hormone production. It’s important to aim for about 8 hours of sleep each night. If you work night shifts, it may be time to avoid those whenever you can since this can severely affect your body and hormones.
If you’re in your 40s and you’re ready to expand your family, come see our expert team at the Center for Human Reproduction to optimize your fertility and chances of getting pregnant. To learn more, give us a call at 626-385-7918 or request a virtual consultation today.
