The media is rife with Hollywood stars who have babies well into their 40s and 50s. But is that a realistic dream for the average woman? Whether you have taken time to focus on your career or it took you longer than you expected to meet the ideal partner, more and more women are delaying conception. But how do you know when you are too old to get pregnant?

Is 40 Too Old to Get Pregnant?

While it’s true that fertility does begin to decline when you’re in your 30s, many women are still able to conceive during this time period. Be prepared, however, that it may take you several cycles to get pregnant. At age 40, the chance of getting pregnant each cycle is about 20 percent.

Once you’ve reached age 35, you’ll be considered advanced maternal age by most providers, which simply means you’ll be watched more closely by your doctor. Certain risks are higher for this age group as well: the chance of miscarriage is 25 percent in women ages 35 to 39 and 51 percent in women between the ages of 40 and 44. However, the majority of women this age still have completely healthy pregnancies and babies.

If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant naturally, more fertility treatments are available than ever before. This means that for many couples the decision about how old is too old to get pregnant is one that is between you and your partner, not one that is limited by your age or ability to conceive.

Contact OB-GYN Women’s Centre in Lakewood Ranch for Pregnancy Consultation

If you want to get pregnant, a doctor can help you determine if you are healthy enough to conceive. Make an appointment with OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch to learn more about their women’s healthcare services.