Many people try for a baby after the age of 35 years. Around 1 in 5 pregnant Australians are between 35 and 39 years old. But there are risks and challenges you should know about when trying for pregnancy at age 35 years or older.

Why can it be harder to get pregnant after age 35?

Women are most fertile in their 20s. As you age, getting pregnant becomes more difficult.

At birth, your ovaries have all the eggs they will ever have. As you get older, the number of eggs goes down. And the remaining eggs become older, so they don’t fertilise as easily.

In general, your fertility (ability to get pregnant) begins to drop after the age of 30 years. It drops even more after the age of 35 years.

How can I improve my chances of getting pregnant?

Have unprotected sex (sex without contraception, or birth control) at least every 2 to 3 days when you are in the fertile time of your cycle. This improves your chances of getting pregnant.

You are most fertile on the days around the time when you ovulate (release an egg from one of your ovaries).

If your cycle is regular, you will probably ovulate 2 weeks before the start of your next period.

There are ways you can track when you may be ovulating. These include:

• using a period tracker app
• using an ovulation calendar
• checking your cervical mucus and body temperature
• using an ovulation test kit

You’ll have a better chance of getting pregnant if you understand your menstrual cycle (periods).

Are there other things I should do when trying to get pregnant?

Having a healthy lifestyle will help improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy. Aim to:

• eat a healthy diet
• maintain a healthy weight
• get some regular physical activity
• avoid alcohol
• quit smoking or vaping (if you smoke or vape)
• avoid passive smoking and vaping when possible
• avoid recreational drugs

It’s also a good idea to see your doctor for a pre-pregnancy check-up. Your doctor may:

• check your weight
• check your blood pressure
• check your regular medicines
• recommend folic acid and iodine supplements
• check your vaccinations are up-to-date
• check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• suggest genetic carrier screening

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you’re 35 years or older and have been trying to get pregnant for 6 months or more.

See your doctor sooner if you have endometriosis or another condition that may affect your fertility.

Your doctor may recommend some fertility tests. These might include:

• blood tests
• checks for sexually transmitted infections
• an ultrasound scan of your reproductive system — this may involve a vaginal ultrasound

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

What treatments are available to help me get pregnant?

There are different types of treatments available for people who are having trouble getting pregnant.

Depending on the results of your fertility tests, your doctor might suggest treatments such as:

• hormone treatments
• assisted reproduction therapy (treatment to get pregnant other than by having sex), such as IVF

Are there more risks when you are pregnant after 35 years?

If you are over 35 years and become pregnant, it’s important to have good antenatal care.

As you get older, the chances of pregnancy complications increase. These can include:

• pre-eclampsia
• gestational diabetes
• miscarriage

There are also increased risks of some health conditions in your baby, such as Down syndrome.

Talk to your doctor or midwife about:

• genetic counselling
• prenatal screening and testing

Resources and support

If you are trying to get pregnant and are aged 35 years or older, talk to your doctor.

Family Planning Alliance Australia has information on reproductive and sexual health in your state or territory.