In a competitive world, modern women have to juggle a myriad of responsibilities, from building a successful career and marrying at the “right age” to staying healthy and balancing work and life. Add to this the ever-increasing pressures of anxiety, stress and a fast-paced culture, and you barely have time to stop, rest and plan for motherhood, and even if you do, the pressure of the added responsibilities of raising a child on top of your work leaves many stressed. With the rise of diseases like PCOD and PCOS, the journey to pregnancy has become more difficult for many. And in the midst of all this, the biological clock is ticking faster than ever before, adding to the pressure. But does this biological clock really exist? So when is the best time to start thinking about having a child?
To understand a woman’s biological clock, the right time to plan for childbirth, and when it’s too late to plan, the OnlyMyHealth team spoke to Dr Sukirti Jain, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
According to Dr Sukriti Jain, “The concept of a ‘biological clock’ refers to a woman’s natural fertility window, which is regulated by age and reproductive health.” It is widely known that women are born with a limited number of eggs, which gradually decrease in quantity and quality over time. For women hoping to conceive, understanding how their biological clock works is essential to make informed family planning decisions.
Your 20s: The best time to get pregnant
The 20s are often considered to be a woman’s reproductive prime. “At this stage, your body is at its most fertile and your egg quantity and quality are at their peak,” says Dr Jain. Women in their 20s also tend to have less pregnancy complications like high blood pressure, diabetes, and miscarriage.” Research has shown that for women in this age group, the chances of getting pregnant within a year are around 25-30% per menstrual cycle.
However, many women in their 20s are focused on their education, career and finding the right partner, which may delay the decision to start a family. It is important to know that although fertility is at its best in your 20s, you are not the only person who can become pregnant.
30s: Fertility declines
As women enter their 30s, their fertility begins to decline. “By the age of 35, there is a rapid decline in both egg number and quality, and the rate of decline becomes more pronounced. While many women in their early 30s still have a chance of conceiving naturally, once they enter their mid-to-late 30s, fertility issues may become more pronounced,” says Dr Jain.
According to Dr Jain, there is a slight increase in the risk of complications like miscarriage, gestational diabetes and high blood pressure after the age of 35. The risk of the baby having genetic abnormalities, such as Down’s syndrome, also increases with age.
Despite these challenges, many women are still successfully conceiving in their 30s, especially thanks to advances in fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). If you’re in your early to mid-30s and are thinking about delaying pregnancy, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor to evaluate your reproductive health and explore options such as egg freezing.
Read more: Why should men track their biological clock?
40s: Is it too late?
Fertility declines significantly in women in their 40s. “After 40, your chances of conceiving naturally drop to around 5% per menstrual cycle and the quality of your eggs also declines significantly, increasing the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications,” says Dr Jain.
Additionally, she says, “It is possible to get pregnant in your 40s, but it often requires the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF, egg donation, or surrogacy.” Women hoping to conceive at this stage should consult with a fertility specialist early on to understand their options and potential challenges.
When is it “too late”?
Fertility varies widely depending on genetics, lifestyle and overall health, so there’s no universal concept of “it’s too late” for all women. However, most doctors agree that a woman’s ability to conceive naturally drops significantly in her mid-40s due to a decline in viable eggs. “Menopause usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55 and marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. While fertility is possible during perimenopause (the transitional period before menopause), it’s unlikely that you’ll conceive naturally,” explains Dr Jain.
“Regular fertility testing is important for women in their mid-30s to early 40s who are unmarried,” she advises. “If you’re not ready to conceive yet, techniques such as egg freezing in your 30s or early 40s can be a way to preserve your fertility.”
Read more: Why is egg freezing in high demand among young career-driven women?
Consult a doctor immediately
Understanding your biological clock is key when it comes to family planning. Women over 30 should consult their obstetrician-gynaecologist or fertility specialist to assess their ovarian reserve and understand how many viable eggs they have left. “Blood tests such as anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and follicle counts can provide valuable information about your fertility potential,” suggests Dr Jain.
While there’s no “perfect” time to have a baby, the best thing you can do is educate yourself about your reproductive health. Some women may need to plan early or use fertility preservation, while others may be able to conceive naturally later in life. Understanding your body’s timeline and working with a medical professional can help you make the right decisions in your family planning journey.
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