So You Want a Baby After 35? Here’s What You Need to Know

Thinking about having a baby after 35? Maybe you were focused on your career, traveling, or just enjoying life (because, let’s be real, adulthood is a whole ride). Maybe you’re already a mom planning to have more babies, maybe things didn’t line up until now, or you’ve been hearing about your “biological clock” but weren’t sure when—or if—you wanted to start a family.

Whatever your path, you’ve probably heard a ton of opinions about getting pregnant after 35. Is it really harder? What’s the deal with “advanced maternal age” or being labeled a “geriatric pregnancy?” (sounds dramatic, right)? And what should you actually expect when it comes to fertility, pregnancy, and birth?

To separate fact from fear-mongering, we called in Mary Jane Minkin, MD, Clinical Professor of Ob/Gyn at Yale University, to break it all down— because making informed choices is way better than falling down a late-night Google rabbit hole!

At what age does it become more difficult to get pregnant?

There are some declines in our early thirties, but at about 35, we start noticing a bit more. And again unfortunately, at 40, fertility does undergo a steeper decline. 

Are there certain tests you should have run if you are or plan to have a baby later in life?

There aren’t a lot of tests that help. The true test of ability to conceive is getting pregnant.

However, one test that we can perform is an ovarian reserve test. We are born with all of the eggs we are going to have, so this test reflects how many eggs are left. The test measures what is called the FSH or follicle stimulating hormone.

When the eggs are significantly diminishing, the pituitary gland has to work harder, and make more FSH (which comes from the pituitary). If the FSH is present in a high concentration in the urine, we can say that we may be seeing some compromise in the amount of good eggs available in the ovaries.

What are the risks for women having children later in life?

Of course, one of the major concerns as we are talking about it, is just getting pregnant. Unfortunately, there is a small increase in genetic abnormalities such as Down’s Syndrome.

Women who are older also do have a somewhat higher chance of developing diabetes of pregnancy and pre-eclampsia, but we can diagnose and deal with all of these issues.

What are some measures you can take to help increase your chances of getting pregnant, the older you get?

Keep yourself in the best shape you can. Exercise regularly, eat properly, and try to keep your weight as close to your ideal body weight as possible. Adopt good health habits, like not smoking or drinking, and of course, do take folic acid daily.

Women who get pregnant while taking folic acid significantly diminish the baby’s chance of having a neural tube defect. Finding a prenatal vitamin (we love these from Ritual!) with an excellent amount of folic acid and starting before pregnancy is the best thing to do.

To maximize fertility and make sure you are timing intercourse ideally, you can do an ovulation predictor kit which will make sure that you are optimally timing intercourse.

What do you think is the one thing women should know about getting pregnant later in life?

Realize that there is never a “perfect time” to have a baby, so you want to optimize how you are doing in life as far as readiness, and maximize fertility potential.

For instance, you might be the most financially secure around age 45, but I wouldn’t encourage folks who really want a baby to start trying then.

If you are 35 or younger and have been trying to get pregnant for a year or more, please check in with your gynecologist to help figure out what might be hindering your getting pregnant.

If you are 35 or older and have been trying for six months or more, do start checking in with your health care provider to help you conceive.

Tips for Getting Pregnant After 35

Now that we’ve heard from an expert, let’s run through the best tips for getting pregnant after 35. While everyone’s journey looks different, these key steps can help set you up for success— whether you’re just starting to think about trying or already deep in the process.

Book a Preconception Checkup

Before diving in, schedule a visit with your doctor to check in on your overall health, discuss any underlying conditions, and make sure you’re up to date on screenings and vaccinations. Think of it as a little pre-baby tune-up for your body!

Focus on a Fertility-Friendly Lifestyle

Your lifestyle choices play a huge role in fertility. Eating a nutrient-rich diet (hello, leafy greens, whole grains, and healthy fats!), getting regular exercise, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can all support reproductive health. Oh, and if you’re a coffee fiend, no worries— moderate caffeine intake is still totally fine!

Track Your Cycle Like a Pro

Knowing your ovulation window is key when trying to conceive. Use an app, ovulation predictor kits, or the good old-fashioned method of tracking cervical mucus and basal body temperature. The goal? Timing sex around ovulation to give yourself the best chance each cycle.

Consider Prenatal Vitamins Early

You don’t have to wait until you’re pregnant to start prenatal vitamins. Taking one with at least 400mcg of folic acid (we love Ritual prenatal vitamins which include methylated folate AKA the active form of folic acid) before conception can help support early fetal development and reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Bonus: It’s an easy way to ensure you’re getting key nutrients while trying to conceive.

Be Open to Fertility Support

If you’ve been trying for six months without success, don’t hesitate to check in with a fertility specialist. There are so many options available, from lifestyle tweaks to assisted reproductive technologies, and knowing your options can give you more control over your journey.

At the end of the day, getting pregnant after 35 isn’t some impossible mission— it just comes with a few extra things to keep in mind. With a little knowledge, the right support, and a focus on your health, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible experience. Whether you’re just starting to think about it or already on your journey, know that you’re not alone, and plenty of parents are navigating this right alongside you.

So, take a deep breath, trust your body, and remember: Your timeline is yours, and that’s what makes your journey to baby so special.

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You may also like to read 10 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant or How Long to Wait Between Pregnancies.