What to Know About Aging and Pregnancy Risks?

Aging and pregnancy — it’s a topic that carries a lot of emotions, questions, and hopes for couples planning a family later in life. You may be wondering if age affects your chances of conceiving and if so, how? And what about pregnancy health and risks? The truth is, age does impact fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and even the health of your baby in ways that can be managed with the right support and info. Here, let’s talk about how age plays a role in fertility, possible pregnancy risks, and steps that can help.

How Does Age Affect Fertility?

First things first, fertility doesn’t stay the same forever. Most women will notice their fertility starts to drop off in their early 30s, with a sharper dip after age 35. Getting pregnant at 39 vs 40 can show noticeable differences, as by age 40, a woman’s chance of conceiving each month is only about 5%. Men, on the other hand, experience a slower decline in fertility, typically after 45, which can lead to higher chances of miscarriage and developmental risks in children [1].

There are certain nutrients, though, that can help. For example, CoQ10 is known for boosting cellular energy and protecting eggs and sperm from damage caused by aging. Also, Vitamin C and Vitamin E play a big role in supporting reproductive cells and may even help improve overall fertility [2].

Top Tip: Adding a supplement with CoQ10 to your routine could help improve egg and sperm quality, especially if you’re planning to start a family later in life.

Age and Pregnancy Risk Factors

When we talk about age and pregnancy risk, it’s worth noting that for women over 35, certain risks do go up. There’s a higher chance of complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and issues with the baby’s chromosomes (which can lead to genetic disorders like Down syndrome). Miscarriages, preterm birth, and stillbirth also become more common as women get older [3].

Men over 45 may face similar challenges, as older paternal age can sometimes affect the time it takes to conceive and increase risks for certain developmental conditions in children [4].

Certain nutrients can provide support here, too. Folic Acid is crucial for early fetal development, helping prevent neural tube defects. Vitamin D supports both bone and ovarian health, while Calcium and Magnesium can aid in balancing hormones [5].

Top Tip: Start taking a prenatal vitamin with Folic Acid and Vitamin D early on. This combo is especially recommended for women over 35 as it supports both your health and the baby's.

Hormonal Balance and Fertility as You Age

Hormonal balance is a huge piece of the puzzle for those trying to conceive as they get older. For women, hormone levels can drop and become more unpredictable over time. This is especially true for women with conditions like PCOS. Supplements like Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro Inositol can help regulate hormones and support regular ovulation. These ingredients are helpful, too, for women facing irregular cycles and hormonal imbalances. L-Arginine can also increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, supporting overall reproductive health [6].

Men can benefit from Zinc and Selenium, as these nutrients help support sperm production and quality. Ashwagandha is also known for reducing stress, which is important for balancing hormones [7].

Top Tip: Women may want to try supplements containing Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro Inositol to support regular ovulation, especially as they get older.

Managing Pregnancy Complications When You’re Older

If you’re over 35 and pregnant, you might need a little extra care and monitoring. Pregnancy at an older age does have higher risks, but regular prenatal care and good health habits can help manage these risks. Some of the common complications for older mothers include gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and even the possibility of needing a C-section. Nutrients like Iron and Vitamin B Complex are great for supporting energy and cellular health during pregnancy. Ginger is also helpful — it can soothe digestion and has anti-inflammatory benefits, which may ease some pregnancy symptoms [8].

For the baby’s brain and eye development, DHA is an essential nutrient. This can be found in fish oil or algae-based sources, and is particularly important for mothers over 35 to support fetal health [9].

Top Tip: Start a prenatal vitamin with Iron, Vitamin B Complex, and DHA to get a well-rounded nutrient base for pregnancy support.

Practical Tips for Boosting Fertility Health

For those hoping to conceive later in life, a few lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Regular checkups, a balanced diet, and staying active are all important. Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and managing stress can also go a long way. Men can improve their fertility by focusing on nutrients like L-Carnitine, which supports sperm motility and energy. Maca Root and Ginseng also support male reproductive health and overall vitality [10].

Top Tip: For men, consider adding L-Carnitine and Zinc to daily supplements to boost fertility naturally.

The Bottom Line

While aging and pregnancy are connected to a few unique challenges, age doesn’t have to be a barrier to a healthy pregnancy. With some planning and nutritional support, couples can still have a successful pregnancy journey. Both men and women can benefit from nutrients like Folic Acid, Vitamin D, CoQ10, and Myo-Inositol for fertility support. Conceive Plus offers fertility products with many of these ingredients, which could be helpful for couples looking to support their journey toward a healthy pregnancy.

Top Tip: Always chat with your doctor or healthcare provider when you’re over 35 and thinking about pregnancy. They can help you figure out a plan to get the best results on your journey to conception.

FAQs

How does age affect a woman’s chances of conceiving?

Generally, women’s fertility declines around age 30, with a more rapid drop after 35. By age 40, the chance of conceiving each month is around 5%.

Are there nutrients that support fertility as you get older?

Yes. Ingredients like CoQ10, Myo-Inositol, and Folic Acid can support reproductive health, which is helpful when trying to conceive later in life.

What pregnancy risks increase for women over 35?

Women over 35 have higher risks of complications like miscarriage, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes, but regular prenatal visits can help manage these.

Does a man’s age affect fertility too?

Yes, age can affect male fertility as well. After about age 45, sperm quality declines, which may increase the risk of miscarriage and developmental issues.

How can I improve fertility if I’m over 35?

Eating well, staying active, managing stress, and taking specific nutrients like Vitamin D, Folic Acid, and CoQ10 can support reproductive health as you age.

Citations

1. Khandwala, Y. S., Baker, V. L., Shaw, G. M., Stevenson, D. K., Lu, Y., & Eisenberg, M. L. (2018). Association of paternal age with perinatal outcomes between 2007 and 2016 in the United States: population based cohort study. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30381468/
2. Agarwal, A., Virk, G., Ong, C., & du Plessis, S. S. (2014). Effect of oxidative stress on male reproduction. The world journal of men's health. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24872947/
3. Kim, Y. J., Lee, J. E., Kim, S. H., Shim, S. S., & Cha, D. H. (2013). Maternal age-specific rates of fetal chromosomal abnormalities in Korean pregnant women of advanced maternal age. Obstetrics & gynecology science. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3784117/
4. Krug, A., Wöhr, M., Seffer, D., Rippberger, H., Sungur, A. Ö., Dietsche, B., Stein, F., Sivalingam, S., Forstner, A. J., Witt, S. H., Dukal, H., Streit, F., Maaser, A., Heilmann-Heimbach, S., Andlauer, T. F. M., Herms, S., Hoffmann, P., Rietschel, M., Nöthen, M. M., Lackinger, M., … Kircher, T. (2020). Advanced paternal age as a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders: a translational study. Molecular autism. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7310295/
5. Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE): Quality-assessed Reviews [Internet]. York (UK): Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (UK); 1995-. Association between maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK131822/
6. Kelley, D. E., Warren, L. K., & Mortensen, C. J. (2013). Oral L-arginine supplementation impacts several reproductive parameters during the postpartum period in mares. Animal reproduction science. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23523236/
7. Nasimi Doost Azgomi, R., Zomorrodi, A., Nazemyieh, H., Fazljou, S. M. B., Sadeghi Bazargani, H., Nejatbakhsh, F., Moini Jazani, A., & Ahmadi AsrBadr, Y. (2018). Effects of Withania somnifera on Reproductive System: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence. BioMed research international. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5833251/
8. Lete, I., & Allué, J. (2016). The Effectiveness of Ginger in the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy and Chemotherapy. Integrative medicine insights. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27053918/
9. Gajewski, B. J., Reese, C. S., Colombo, J., & Carlson, S. E. (2016). Commensurate Priors on a Finite Mixture Model for Incorporating Repository Data in Clinical Trials. Statistics in biopharmaceutical research. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4915595/
10. Beharry, S., & Heinrich, M. (2018). Is the hype around the reproductive health claims of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) justified?. Journal of ethnopharmacology. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28811221/