It used to be fairly uncommon for women over the age of 40 to have children, but many women are now delaying pregnancy to finish their educations or get established in their careers. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Although it can be more difficult to conceive after 40, it is still possible to get pregnant. Try conceiving naturally and then consider fertility treatments if you have any difficulty getting pregnant.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:
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Stop any birth control. If you want to get pregnant and are using any type of birth control, stop taking or using it when you decide to start trying to conceive. It can take some time to conceive after you stop birth control, so stay diligent.
- Stop using condoms or spermicides as soon as you decide to get pregnant. Because these forms of birth control don’t use hormones, there may be no delay in getting pregnant.
- Stop taking your birth control pills or have any devices such as IUDs removed.
- Recognize that it can take up to six months for your cycle to become regular and for you to ovulate after stopping hormonal birth control. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Monitor your cycle for ovulation. You’re most like to get pregnant when you are ovulating. From monitoring cervical mucus to taking your basal temperature, watching your menstrual cycle can help you detect ovulation, which may increase your chances of conceiving. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Many smartphones offer apps that can help you track your ovulation.
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Observe cervical mucous. A woman’s cervical mucus changes consistency depending on her cycle. Watching for differences in your cervical mucus may help you conceive more easily. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Look for an increase in mucus and a change in consistency to thin and slippery around ovulation. Following ovulation, cervical mucous decreases, thickens, and is generally less noticeable. [5] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
- Be comfortable and extremely diligent when examining your cervical mucus to increase your chances of conceiving. [6] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
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Watch the calendar. Observe the “standard rule” that menstrual cycles average between 26 and 32 days for most women. Watching the calendar can help you figure out the days when you are most likely to conceive. [7] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
- Watch for changes in your cycle around day 14, which is the approximate day on which many women ovulate. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Be aware that this can vary from person to person.
- Consider enjoying sex more often between days 8 and 19 of your cycle to increase your chances of getting pregnant. [9] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
- Keep a small calendar with you so you can track the days of your cycle.
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Track your basal body temperature. Your basal body temperature, or your body’s temperature while fully resting, can increase slightly during ovulation. Take your temperature every day before you get out of bed in the morning to measure your basal temperature and increase your chances of conceiving. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Use a thermometer specifically designed for taking basal temperature. You can get these at many pharmacies and medical supply stores. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- See if your basal temperature increases up to 1 degree Fahrenheit (.5 Celsius), which might indicate ovulation. [12] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
- Take your temperature right after you wake up and before you get out of bed as your baseline number. Make sure to continue measuring your temperature at the same time every day. [13] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
- Write your temperature down in a notebook and see if you notice any patterns. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Most women are fertile in the two to three days before their temperature rises. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Use an ovulation predictor kit. If tracking mucus, days, or temperature feels like too much work to you, buy an ovulation predictor kit. These tests can predict ovulation or signal it before it happens. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- You can purchase an ovulation predictor kit at a pharmacy.
- For most kits, you will need to start using the kit on day 10 of your cycle, but check the instructions that come with the product to be sure.
- When it is time to start using the kit, you will urinate on the test stick to see if you might ovulating. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Enjoy sex regularly. They key to getting pregnant in most cases is to have sex. Aim to have sex a few times a week, which increases your chances of hitting one of your fertile days. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Schedule sex with your partner if you find that you’re both busy. This might seem unromantic, but turn it into a date night or something that can help you get in the mood.
- Be spontaneous as much as possible to keep things fun.
- Have sex at least two to three times a week, which should be enough to hit one of your fertile periods. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Have sex at least once a day near the time you ovulate to increase your chances of conceiving. [20] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Make healthy choices if you want to get pregnant. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, exercising, and managing stress can increase your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. [21] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Be aware that it can take you longer than normal to conceive naturally after 35. See a doctor if it takes you longer than 6 months to rule out fertility problems. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Stick to a healthy and nutrient rich diet of about 2,000 calories a day, depending on how active you are. Incorporate foods from the five food groups. [23] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U.S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source
- Aim to get 150 minutes of moderate cardio activity such as brisk walking and muscle strength training on two days of every week. [24] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
- Limit and manage anything that causes stress in your life. [25] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Avoid recreational drugs and tobacco products, which can prematurely age your eggs. [26] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Avoid or limit your alcohol intake as well. Studies have shown drinking can decrease your fertility. [27] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Take prenatal vitamins to reduce the risk of any pregnancy resulting in neural tube defects. [28] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:
Considering Fertility Treatments
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See your OB/GYN. If you’ve been trying to conceive naturally for six months or longer with no luck, schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN. She can run tests to determine if you have a fertility issue or recommend a specialist for high-risk pregnancies. [29] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Be open and honest with your doctor about what methods you’ve been using to increase your chances of conceiving.
- Take any notes you’ve kept on your cycle.
- Ask any questions you might have about conceiving or your chances for getting pregnant.
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Determine any causes of infertility. There are a variety of reasons that may prevent you from conceiving naturally including structural issues with either the man or the woman. [30] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Determining what is impeding your ability to conceive can help your doctor formulate a more effective treatment plan and may also help you get pregnant. Undergo any tests your doctor might suggest for you and your partner including:
- Semen analysis
- Hormone testing
- Ultrasound of the scrotum (for men) or uterus and fallopian tubes (for women)
- Testicular biopsy
- Genetic testing
- Ovulation testing with blood
- Imaging tests such as hysterosalpingography or hysterosonography. [31] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Treat causes of infertility. If your doctor determines that something specific is impeding your ability to conceive, treat the disorder. After receiving your treatment, speak to your doctor about resuming attempts to conceive naturally or use other methods such as in-vitro fertilization. [32] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Some treatments for infertility include:
- Antibiotic treatment for infections of the reproductive tract
- Medication or counseling for erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation
- Hormone replacement
- Surgery. [33] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Stimulate ovulation with drugs. The number of eggs a woman has decreases considerably after the age of 40. Your doctor may suggest taking medications to help restore your regular cycle and stimulate ovulation if your infertility is unexplained or other treatments haven’t corrected it. [34] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Take these medications to increase your chances of getting pregnant. [35] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Speak to your doctor about the best medication for you. [36] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source She may suggest options such as clomiphene citrate (clomid or Serophene) or letrozole (Femara), which are considered safe drugs and are relatively inexpensive. [37] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Inject or ingest fertility drugs. They may cause nausea, insomnia, and headaches. [38] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Be aware that fertility drugs can result in multiple pregnancy or conditions such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which causes the ovaries to become painful and swollen. [39] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Consider Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). If you’re still having trouble conceiving following treatment, consider using one of the many forms of assisted reproductive technology available today. [40] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source From in-vitro fertilization to gestational carrier, ARTs can greatly increase your chances of conceiving or having a baby to 5-10% per cycle. Some of the following ARTs may be available to you:
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF), which is the most commonly used ART. [41] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source This requires collecting eggs and sperm from the woman and man and then fertilizing them in a dish in a lab. After fertilization, the embryos are implanting into the woman. [42] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in which a healthy sperm is injected into a mature egg. [43] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Donor eggs or sperm. Although most couples will use their own eggs and sperm, if there are serious problems with either the eggs or sperm, you can opt to use a known or anonymous donor egg or sperm. [44] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Gestational carrier. If you have some physical issue that impedes carrying a pregnancy but not conceiving, you can choose to have the embryo placed in the uterus of a woman who agrees to carry the baby. [45] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Expert Q&A
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Tips
- Relax as much as you can. Research has shown that anxiety can affect your fertility. [46] X Research sourceThanks
Warnings
- Be aware that getting pregnant after 40 can increase the risk of miscarriage, multiple births, health issues such as gestational diabetes, and birth defects. [47] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20045756
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/transcripts/improve_odds_becoming_pregnant
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-Planning
- ↑ http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-Planning
- ↑ http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-Planning
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-Planning
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-Planning
- ↑ http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-Planning
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20045756?pg=1
- ↑ http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/
- ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611?pg=2
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611?pg=2
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611?pg=2
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611?pg=2
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/transcripts/improve_odds_becoming_pregnant
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20034770
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20034770
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/basics/treatment/con-20034770
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/transcripts/improve_odds_becoming_pregnant
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/transcripts/improve_odds_becoming_pregnant
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/basics/treatment/con-20034770
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/transcripts/improve_odds_becoming_pregnant
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/transcripts/improve_odds_becoming_pregnant
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/basics/treatment/con-20034770
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/basics/treatment/con-20034770
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/transcripts/improve_odds_becoming_pregnant
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/basics/treatment/con-20034770
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/basics/treatment/con-20034770
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/basics/treatment/con-20034770
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/basics/treatment/con-20034770
- ↑ http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/fertility
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20045756?pg=1
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