What Are the Chances of Getting Pregnant at 39 vs 40
More and more women these days are starting families later in life. Sometimes, it’s due to career goals, finding the right partner, or just wanting to wait a bit. But then the question comes up: does one year make a big difference? What are the odds of getting pregnant at 39 vs 40? Let’s explore how fertility changes as you get closer to 40, what can help you increase your chances, and how the male side of things plays a role too. Here’s what you need to know.
Age and Fertility: Does One Year Really Matter?
So, here’s the thing. As women get older, fertility naturally drops. At 39, lots of women still have a decent shot at getting pregnant naturally, though it can take a bit longer. By age 40, the chances per cycle drop, mostly because of two main things: the number of eggs left and the quality of those eggs.
Egg Quantity: Women are born with all the eggs they’ll ever have. No new ones are made. And by the late 30s, there aren’t nearly as many left as there were before.
Egg Quality: Time affects the quality, too. Over the years, eggs are more likely to develop chromosomal issues, which can lead to a higher chance of miscarriage or conditions like Down syndrome [1].
So, yes, the chances of getting pregnant at 39 vs 40 aren’t exactly the same, even if it’s just one year. The decline is gradual, but by 40, that fertility curve starts to dip more noticeably, leading many to explore types of fertility treatments that can support conception.
Quick Tip: Tracking ovulation can make a big difference. Using apps or ovulation predictor kits helps you find those days when you’re most likely to conceive—super important as regular cycles can shift a bit with age.
Boosting Fertility with Key Nutrients
Supporting your fertility naturally can be a huge help, especially in your late 30s and early 40s. Certain vitamins and nutrients have proven benefits for boosting egg quality, balancing hormones, and supporting the reproductive system. Here’s what you’ll want to focus on:
Folic Acid: This one’s crucial. It’s essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, both important for early fetal development and even for conception itself. Folic acid is also linked to lowering the chance of neural tube defects in early pregnancy [2].
Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro Inositol: These work together to help regulate insulin and support more regular ovulation. They’re especially beneficial for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can make cycles unpredictable [3].
CoQ10: This is a strong antioxidant that helps protect egg cells from oxidative damage. It also boosts cellular energy, helping improve egg quality as we get older [4].
These ingredients are often found in fertility-supporting supplements, which can help prepare the body for pregnancy. It’s definitely worth considering if you’re trying to improve your fertility health.
Quick Tip: Adding a prenatal vitamin with these ingredients is a good way to make sure your body has the support it needs as you try to conceive.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices That Support Fertility
The choices you make every day can help with fertility, especially in your late 30s and 40s. Lifestyle habits really do play a big role. Here are a few important ones to keep in mind:
Eat Well: A diet with lots of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains is beneficial for reproductive health. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens protect cells, which can be good for egg quality.
Exercise Moderately: Regular, moderate exercise is great for managing stress and keeping hormones balanced, both of which are essential for fertility.
Limit Alcohol & Quit Smoking: Alcohol can mess with hormone levels, while smoking directly damages both egg and sperm quality, speeding up reproductive aging [5].
Quick Tip: Keeping a healthy weight is also key, as both underweight and overweight women may experience hormone imbalances that can affect ovulation and overall fertility.
Male Fertility Matters, Too
Conception takes two, of course, and male fertility matters just as much. As men age, sperm quality can also decline, affecting motility (how sperm move) and count. Specific nutrients can help support male fertility:
Zinc: Needed for healthy sperm production, zinc helps with both sperm count and motility, supporting overall reproductive health [6].
L-Carnitine and CoQ10: These help boost sperm energy and mobility, making it easier for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg.
Maca Root: Often considered a fertility booster, maca root can improve sperm quality and may also help with libido, which can naturally drop with age [7].
Quick Tip: Men who are trying to conceive should think about taking a multivitamin that includes these ingredients to support their fertility health.
Medical Support for Getting Pregnant at 39 vs 40
If you’re actively trying to conceive at age 39 or 40, it might make sense to reach out for medical support if you’ve been trying for six months without any luck. Fertility specialists can evaluate both partners’ reproductive health, pinpoint any specific challenges, and suggest treatments. Some of the options that might come up include:
Ovulation Induction: Medications that stimulate ovulation. This can be helpful if there are hormonal issues affecting ovulation [8].
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): This lower-intervention procedure places sperm directly in the uterus to help with fertilization.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF male fertility treatments can be an option if natural conception proves difficult, and it also allows for screening of embryos to help ensure they’re healthy.
Quick Tip: Consider a fertility evaluation after six months of trying if you’re over 35. There are lots of options available that can help, and it never hurts to learn more.
The Bottom Line
In the end, getting pregnant at 39 vs 40 has its unique challenges, but it’s totally possible. While fertility naturally declines with age, there are things you can do to support your body—adding fertility-boosting nutrients, making healthy lifestyle changes, and even seeking medical advice if needed. Conceive Plus offers fertility-friendly products that support reproductive health for both men and women trying to conceive. With the right approach, you can face the journey with confidence and positivity.
FAQs
Can women have kids at 40?
Yes, lots of women still have healthy pregnancies at 40. While fertility naturally goes down, making some lifestyle changes, using fertility-supporting supplements, and checking in with a healthcare provider can increase your chances.
What vitamins are best for fertility?
Folic acid, Myo-Inositol, CoQ10, and Vitamin D are all great for supporting fertility. They help with egg quality, hormone balance, and energy in cells, all important for conception.
How does CoQ10 support egg quality?
CoQ10 helps protect egg cells from oxidative damage and boosts cellular energy, which is especially important as women age and egg quality changes.
When should couples seek fertility support?
For women over 35, it’s best to look into fertility support if you haven’t conceived after six months. A fertility specialist can help with options and guide you based on your unique situation.
Do lifestyle choices impact fertility at 40?
Absolutely, things like diet, regular exercise, and cutting out alcohol and cigarettes can all positively impact fertility and reproductive health in your 40s.
Citations
- Hecht, C. A., & Hook, E. B. (1996). Rates of Down syndrome at livebirth by one-year maternal age intervals in studies with apparent close to complete ascertainment in populations of European origin: a proposed revised rate schedule for use in genetic and prenatal screening. American journal of medical genetics. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8723068/
- US Preventive Services Task Force, Bibbins-Domingo, K., Grossman, D. C., Curry, S. J., Davidson, K. W., Epling, J. W., Jr, García, F. A., Kemper, A. R., Krist, A. H., Kurth, A. E., Landefeld, C. S., Mangione, C. M., Phillips, W. R., Phipps, M. G., Pignone, M. P., Silverstein, M., & Tseng, C. W. (2017). Folic Acid Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28097362/
- Raffone, E., Rizzo, P., & Benedetto, V. (2010). Insulin sensitiser agents alone and in co-treatment with r-FSH for ovulation induction in PCOS women. Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20222840/
- Bentov, Y., Yavorska, T., Esfandiari, N., Jurisicova, A., & Casper, R. F. (2011). The contribution of mitochondrial function to reproductive aging. Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21617930/
- Sansone, A., Di Dato, C., de Angelis, C., Menafra, D., Pozza, C., Pivonello, R., Isidori, A., & Gianfrilli, D. (2018). Smoke, alcohol and drug addiction and male fertility. Reproductive biology and endocrinology. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5769315/
- Wong, W. Y., Thomas, C. M., Merkus, J. M., Zielhuis, G. A., & Steegers-Theunissen, R. P. (2000). Male factor subfertility: possible causes and the impact of nutritional factors. Fertility and sterility. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10688992/
- Ulloa Del Carpio, N., Alvarado-Corella, D., Quiñones-Laveriano, D. M., Araya-Sibaja, A., Vega-Baudrit, J., Monagas-Juan, M., Navarro-Hoyos, M., & Villar-López, M. (2024). Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca. Frontiers in pharmacology. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10910417/
- Dickey, R. P., & Holtkamp, D. E. (1996). Development, pharmacology and clinical experience with clomiphene citrate. Human reproduction update. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9111183/
