There are advantages and disadvantages to starting a family at different ages. Pregnancy in the 20s or early 30s is best for the health of the baby and the parent. The chances of conceiving decrease with age. A reproductive life plan can help people identify their goals for when to have children in the future. No matter your age, having a reproductive life plan can help you plan for your future.
If or when to start a family is a personal decision. Answering the questions in the reproductive life plan may help you feel more prepared to make decisions about your plan for when (or if) to have children.
Although it may not seem like there is a ‘perfect’ time to have a baby, having a reproductive life plan may help you make decisions about having children or not having children at different stages of your life.
While it’s physically easier to become pregnant between 20 and 35 and have a healthy pregnancy, a potential parent may feel somewhat inexperienced in their 20s or may be concerned about the costs of having a baby. These could include the cost of raising a child and the time on leave from work.
Having a reproductive life plan may help you figure out the best time to start trying to become pregnant and look at any concerns you have about your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
A person’s ability to become pregnant starts to decrease in their early 30s. This decline is gradual but steady. Even with medical advances, being over 35 may result in more trouble becoming pregnant and having a healthy baby.
Someone becoming pregnant in their 30s may feel more emotionally or financially ready. However, there may be some physical challenges to becoming pregnant during this time.
For people giving birth at younger ages:
A person giving birth at a younger age may also have less chance of:
Age can affect fertility for everyone. Answering the questions in the reproductive life plan can help you decide when to start trying to have a baby.
Someone in their 40s sometimes feels better prepared to be a parent than when they were younger. They may be more established in their careers and their life experiences help them feel more prepared for the challenges of parenthood.
It is possible to have a healthy pregnancy and baby in your 40’s, however, there are increased risks such as:
Though treatment for fertility problems offers a better chance of becoming pregnant, fertility treatments can also be stressful, expensive, hard on your body and don’t always work.
Learn more about pregnancy over 35.
A person produces less testosterone as they get older and their sperm quality and function may change with age – which may affect their ability to conceive a baby.
Changes can include:
There may also be health problems for the baby such as higher rates of:
A reproductive life plan is a simple tool to help you decide if and when you are ready to have a baby. By helping you identify your values, priorities and actions to take, it can also improve your chances of getting pregnant, and having a healthy baby.
Ready or Not contains a lot of information. So we created My To-Do List for you to use as a personal reminder, share with your partner, or bring to your next check-up.
Be sure to click “Add this to my To-Do List” anytime you see something you want to print, email, save, or share. Because we do not ask for any personal information, your list will only be saved for a week after your last added item.
