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Print articleTrying to get pregnant over 35
It has become apparent over the last 40 years that women seem to be waiting longer before starting their families. In 1970 the average age for a first-time mother was about 21, but in today's world the age is 25-291 and many women conceive much later than this.
There is much 'doom and gloom' about the difficulties of conceiving later in life, and the facts quoted by medical professionals can seem dire. However, many of the statistics for women conceiving later in life are based on the results of a 300 year old study so are perhaps less relevant in today's lifestyle.2 So let's look at some facts:
- In general, women are most fertile between the ages of 18 — 31
- A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have
- This reserve of eggs reduces throughout her life. When the woman runs out of her supply of eggs, the ovaries cease to make estrogen, and she goes through menopause and is no longer fertile
It can be very distressing if conception doesn't occur as quickly as you'd expected, especially if you are older and closer to the menopause.
Whilst we cannot predict exactly when a woman will go through the menopause, recent research has suggested that her mother's age at menopause could be a good gauge of a woman's remaining supply of eggs. There are various, scientific tests which can predict how many eggs remain, such as blood tests for the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) or FSH or ultrasound scans.
It is certainly more difficult for a woman to conceive naturally in her late 30s or 40s however, until she reaches the menopause, but there is always a chance she might become pregnant. In 2013, 20% of live births in the UK were to women 35 years old or more. Clearblue Ovulation Tests and the Clearblue Advanced Fertility Monitor can help you to identify your fertile window.
- www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr61/nvsr61_01.pdf
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24128176
- http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171778_380800.pdf
For information purposes only. Consult a doctor for medical advice.
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Clearblue Advanced Fertility Monitor
Proven to increase the chances of getting pregnant naturally by 89%1
Buy now1In the first 2 cycles of use. Robinson, JE, et.al. Fertility & sterility (2007) 87:329-334.
Ask the Clearblue expert
How do I calculate the length of my menstrual cycle?
To work out your cycle length, count the day your period starts (first day of full menstrual flow) as Day 1, and continue counting through to the day before your next period starts. The number of days is your cycle length.
Clearblue Ovulation Tests help you get pregnant naturally
Learn moreClearblue Advanced Fertility Monitor
Proven to increase the chances of getting pregnant naturally by 89%1
Buy now1In the first 2 cycles of use. Robinson, JE, et.al. Fertility (2007) 87:329-334.
Did you know?
A healthy lifestyle may help you conceive. Being either overweight or underweight may cause difficulties when getting pregnant.
Learn moreMaximise your chances of pregnancy
Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test with Dual Hormone Indicator helps you pinpoint your most fertile days.
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Your partner's testes are at their best when they are relatively cool. So wearing loose underwear and light trousers and avoiding hot baths can help improve his sperm production.
Ask a Clearblue expert:
My cycles never seem to be the same length, is that normal?
Many women quite naturally have a menstrual cycle that varies by a few days month to month. If you are trying for a baby, accurately identifying your wider fertility window can be an advantage. A fertility monitor will tell you the days of high fertility and peak fertility with a wider window of opportunity during which there's a chance to conceive.
Clearblue Advanced Fertility Monitor
Proven to increase the chances of getting pregnant naturally by 89%1
Buy now*In the first 2 cycles of use. Robinson JE, et al. Fertility & sterility (2007) 87: 329-334.
Do I need to wait several days after I have missed a period before doing a Clearblue Pregnancy Test?
No. All Clearblue Pregnancy Tests are sensitive enough to detect hCG in your urine from the day your period is due. You can use Clearblue Pregnancy Tests up to 4 days before your period is due, although the pregnancy hormone levels in your urine may not be high enough to be detected. So if you test early and you get a "Not Pregnant" test result, it's recommended that you test again when your period is due. All Clearblue Pregnancy Tests are over 99% accurate, when testing from the day the period is due.
Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with Weeks Indicator is the only pregnancy test that tells you how many weeks
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