What really happens to fertility after age 35 and the truth about geriatric pregnancies

Americans are putting off parenthood longer than ever.In fact, the birth rate among U.S.women in their early 30s outpaced that of women in their late 20s for the seventh year in a row in 2022.

The number of babies born to women 40 and older is also climbing, according to government data. This flies in the face of the common narrative that getting pregnant becomes harder — or riskier — as you get older.But fertility experts say the truth is more nuanced. Dr.

Randi Goldman, program director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Northwell, told The Post that while fertility does naturally decline with age, it’s a gradual process and many women are still able to conceive successfully later in life.“Between 35 and 40, fertility declines as egg quantity and quality decrease, and the risk of miscarriage increases,” Goldman said.“However, your body doesn’t know that it’s your birthday the day you turn 35 — it’s not like a light switch flips, and all of a sudden your eggs become less viable.”Research shows that women in their early 30s still have a solid chance at natural conception. The odds of getting pregnant in any single menstrual cycle are around 25% for women in their 20s, dropping to about 20% at 30, and 15% at 35 — still “pretty good,” according to Goldman.“In the early 40s, the monthly chance of natural conception is around 5% or less, primarily due to a steeper decline in egg quality and quantity,” Goldman said.

“The risk of miscarriage also rises, reaching about 40-50% by age 42.”While this may sound discouraging, Goldman said it’s a myth that getting pregnant naturally after 40 is out of the question.“While chances are lower, it’s still possible for many women,” she said. For women who have trouble conceiving naturally, the field of assisted reproductive technology is booming.

A 2023 Pew Research survey found that 42% of Americans say they or someone they know has used services like egg freezing or i...