Fertility and Age

"40 is the new 20" – this is a widely embraced life philosophy. Getting pregnant now? It doesn't fit at the moment – but later, for sure... Is there actually a perfect time to get pregnant?

Many women, whether in a partnership or not, ask themselves this question. One thing is certain: the desire to have children is being postponed further and further in our society.

While the average age for a first pregnancy in 1970 was 25, today, women typically become mothers at almost 30 years old, or even later in some European countries.

According to surveys, more and more women are opting for late pregnancies because of personal relationship circumstances or finding the right partner with whom they can imagine having children. Some couples also take their time, enjoying life as a couple and wanting to experience family life with children afterward. And if there's uncertainty, there's always fertility medicine.

Artificial Insemination and Age Limits

Most women are aware that the window of time in which they can become mothers is limited. This is often described as the ticking of the biological clock. However, knowledge about exactly when this window closes varies widely. A 2008 Allenbach study showed that 40% of women believed it would only become difficult to conceive after the mid-40s.

In reality, the decline in fertility begins as early as age 30, and this process accelerates after age 35.

Many late pregnancies are considered high-risk, with increased chances of miscarriage, birth defects, and complications like preeclampsia (pregnancy-related high blood pressure). Additionally, conditions such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure are more likely to occur during pregnancy.

However, this does not mean that reaching the age of 40 makes it impossible to have a successful pregnancy and give birth to a healthy child.

Sudden Desire for Children at 40

Nowadays, it is not unusual for women to want children at or after the age of 40. Many women and couples take their time earlier in life for career development or to focus on their relationship. It is not uncommon for the desire to have children to arise only in middle age, at 40 or 45 years old.

How quickly can you get pregnant at 40?

What many people don’t realize is that fertility decreases with age, as both the quantity and quality of eggs diminish continuously.

Many couples overestimate their chances of conceiving naturally. In the most fertile years, between ages 20-25, the actual chance of getting pregnant per cycle is about 20-30% in the first year.

However, if pregnancy does not occur after one year, the likelihood of conceiving drops dramatically to just 1-2% per cycle.

This baseline probability decreases further with age. That said, couples and single women can still fulfill their desire to have children later in life. While pregnancy is still possible naturally at 40, it may take many months to achieve. The actual chance of spontaneous pregnancy at this age is generally between 2% and 7%.

Am I too old to have a baby at 40?

No, with modern fertility treatment methods, the chance of becoming pregnant is still achievable at this stage of life. Through artificial insemination or using previously frozen eggs, the dream of having children can still be fulfilled even at an advanced age.

A thorough and personalized consultation is highly recommended and essential throughout the process. Equally important are maintaining calmness and sufficient relaxation for the prospective parents. Key tips for success with a sudden desire for children at 40, alongside reproductive medicine, include actions on both sides for men and women with the desire to have children:

• A healthy and balanced diet, along with a suitable level of physical activity and exercise
• Avoiding nicotine and alcohol
• Minimizing stress and maintaining a positive attitude toward fertility treatment
• Taking supplements such as folic acid and vitamin D
• Timely evaluation of thyroid function

How likely is it to get pregnant at 40?

Biological pregnancies over the age of 45 occur spontaneously in well under 5% of cases. Fertility treatments can increase the chances and may lead to the desired success within a few cycles. However, success rates for artificial insemination become quite rare for those over 45.

Artificial Insemination for Women with a Desire for Children at 40

To assess potential fertility limitations or issues, there are various diagnostic options, but the fundamental problem of declining egg quantity and quality cannot be entirely resolved. As a result, more intensive fertility treatments like artificial insemination are often used.

There is no legally mandated age limit. However, many fertility centers set an age limit between 45 and 50, as the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and subsequent live birth, even with medical assistance, becomes highly improbable. At CERES Fertility Center, we offer fertility treatments up to the age of 45, depending on individual conditions.

Social Freezing Increases the Chances

There can be many reasons why pregnancy hasn’t yet occurred. Even after several treatment attempts, a fresh perspective on the previous process can sometimes provide new pathways and opportunities.

The Ceres Fertility Center offers all women and couples the free option of a professional and non-binding second opinion. We can advise you on more in-depth diagnostics, such as immunology or additional treatment methods.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Ceres Fertility Center and helping you further.