Mar 05 2009
Want To Boost Your Fertility?
I mentioned a week ago that my husband and I were planning to have another baby. Our daughter’s sixteen-months-old, I’d like to work full-time again once my children are in school, I’ll be thirty-five in a few months… we’ve decided it’s the right time for us. Sure there are reasons it’s NOT a good time, but the pros outweigh the cons.
All this talk about babies and pregnancy got me to thinking and reading about fertility. I’m sure you’ve heard, just like I have, “You got plenty of time! Don’t rush. Women are having babies later in life…” blah, blah, blah… You’ve probably said it yourself. Well, do we really have a lot of time?
Marie Claire magazine discusses aging and fertility in its February 2009 issue. In the article “Fertility 101” we are reminded that our eggs age and we run out of viable ones the older we get. Most women have a fertility peak in their 20s. Around thirty-one, fertility starts to drop. By age thirty-five, one in four women have trouble getting pregnant.
So, do we have plenty of time? Not all of us. Some women have more time than others… do you know which one you are?
Now, this in NO WAY is encouraging anyone to rush in to having a baby if you are not ready. I am just intending to point out that if you are married, have a steady career, and think you have plenty of time to put it off, that may or may not be true for you.
If you find yourself having to postpone having children for a few years, the article gives tips for boosting your fertility:
1. Control Stress
2. Take folic acid early and often
3. Quit smoking
4. Don’t overexercise (I’m certainly not in danger of doing this)
5. Drink conservatively
6. Maintain a healthy weight
I encourage you to read the article in its entirety and other fertility resources if you interested in adding to your family.
My preconception checkup went well… so, I’ll keep you posted.
Agreed. A few things to note as someone who had her first baby at 26 and the last at 40.
(1) It’s harder on your body when you’re older. You just don’t bounce back physically as well in your thirties/forties as you do in your twenties. Also, chasing small children is much easier when you can sit on the floor without agony and get up without effort.
(2) Multiple births are much more common among older women as they can release multiple eggs, even without fertitility drugs.
(3) Genetic anomalies (like Down Syndrome) are more common in pregnancies in older women. I’m thinking miscarriage is also more common (and miscarriage is emotionally devastating). Check this link.
(4) Tendencies like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, if you’re prone to them, do not get easier with age. I’ve had to work much harder on the gestational diabetes on my last pregnancies than I did on my first.
I’m not trying to push people into having children before they’re ready either. I was old enough that I could take the time to enjoy my daughter at 26 and I was definitely emotionally more mature than I would have been 6 years earlier. That’s a good thing, but I’m very grateful my young and spry husband is here to help me today. I would really struggle to keep up with my two youngest if he wasn’t here.
Of course, you could always adopt (hint, hint, nudge, nudge)
I’m starting to sound like one of the crazy evangelist guys, aren’t I…
THANKS for the tips! We’re trying to have our first child and I’m already 30 y.o., so GOOD LUCK for both of us (you for your second child).
Btw, wanna join my guessing game and have a chance to win 250 EC credits easily?
Go here: http://moviefreak.today.com/2009/03/06/guessing-game-3/
Stephanie, you always add good information to the discussion. It certainly is harder on your body when you’re older. I thought I was going to die during my pregnancy. That’s why I’m working hard to be in good shape going in to the second.
Oldwestmom, you’re right. And, it’s still something we’re considering for later on. I fully support adoption.
Ailema, I wish you the best. I’m sending conception vibes your way. Btw, I guessed in your game. I love contests… and I love movies. So, it was perfect. Let me know when you have more contests.
Davida
Good luck!!! My DH and I have been trying for a few years now with no success, but I keep hoping and praying and wishing!!!