Trying for pregnancy after 35

Fertility naturally changes over time. Many people in their mid-30s and over go on to have healthy pregnancies, although getting pregnant may become more difficult for some.

You are born with all the eggs your ovaries will ever have. As you get older, you have fewer eggs, and egg quality changes over time. This can make it harder to get pregnant.

Your fertility (ability to get pregnant) peaks at around age 20. It starts to lower after this and drops more after the age of 35 years.

Everyone’s experience is different, and age is just one of many factors that can affect fertility.

You are most fertile on the days around the time you ovulate. Your chance of getting pregnant is highest if you have sex without contraception (birth control) 1 to 2 days before ovulation, when an egg is released from one of your ovaries.

Understanding your menstrual cycle (periods (Opens in new tab)) can help you identify when you may be most fertile. If your cycle is regular, ovulation usually happens in the middle of your cycle — around 2 weeks before your next period. Some people find it helpful to track ovulation using:

• a period tracker app
• an ovulation calendar
• checking cervical mucus and body temperature
• an ovulation test kit

Some people prefer to actively track ovulation, while others choose a more relaxed approach. There is no single right way.

Looking after your health before pregnancy can improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby. You may wish to:

• eat a healthy diet
• maintain a weight that is healthy for you
• get some regular physical activity (Opens in new tab)
• avoid alcohol
• quit smoking or vaping (Opens in new tab) (if you smoke or vape)
• avoid passive smoking (Opens in new tab) and vaping when possible
• avoid illicit drugs (Opens in new tab)

It’s also a good idea to see your doctor or healthcare provider for a pre-pregnancy check-up. Your doctor may:

• check your weight and blood pressure (Opens in new tab)
• review your regular medicines
• recommend folic acid and iodine supplements
• check your vaccinations are up to date
• screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• discuss genetic carrier screening

Trying to get pregnant can sometimes feel emotionally challenging, especially if it takes longer than expected. You may also wish to access emotional support, counselling, peer support, or discuss different models of maternity care that may suit your needs and preferences.

See your doctor if you’re 35 years or older and have been trying to get pregnant for 6 months or more.

See your doctor sooner if you have endometriosis or another condition that may affect your fertility.

Your doctor may recommend some fertility tests. These might include:

• blood tests
• checks for sexually transmitted infections
• an ultrasound scan of your reproductive system — this may involve a vaginal ultrasound

There are different types of treatments available for people who are having trouble getting pregnant.

Depending on the results of your fertility tests, your doctor might suggest treatments such as hormonal treatments or assisted reproduction therapy ((fertility treatment used to help people get pregnant), for example, in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

As you get older, the chances of pregnancy complications increase. These can include:

• pre-eclampsia
• gestational diabetes
• miscarriage
• chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome

If you are over 35 years and become pregnant, it’s important to have good antenatal care. Talk to your doctor or midwife about:

• genetic counselling
• prenatal screening and testing

Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia (Opens in new tab) has information on reproductive and sexual health in your state or territory.

Family Planning Australia has a factsheet on maximising natural fertility (Opens in new tab).

Your Fertility provides information on fertility and ovulation and has an ovulation calculator (Opens in new tab) to work out your fertile window.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have a planning for pregnancy factsheet (Opens in new tab).

IVF Australia has information about planning for pregnancy, fertility and how to get pregnant, including an ovulation calculator tool (Opens in new tab).

Maternity Choices Australia (Opens in new tab) is a national organisation that advocates for best practice, person-centred maternity care through information sharing, advocacy and support.

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health has Easy Read (Opens in new tab) and multilingual resources on women’s health topics, including anxiety, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Languages other than English

The Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health offers a library of pregnancy resources (Opens in new tab) in many languages.

Monash Health has health information translated into many languages, including pregnancy-care topics (Opens in new tab).

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Birthing on Country (Opens in new tab) supports culturally safe, community-led maternity care for First Nations families.

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) near you.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia (Opens in new tab) has information on reproductive and sexual health in your state or territory, including advice for LGBTIQA+ inclusive services and gender affirming care.

IVF Australia has information about fertility, planning for pregnancy, and options for same sex couples (Opens in new tab).

Rainbow Health Australia has a library of practical resources (Opens in new tab) on services for LGBTIQA+ and gender-diverse families.

QLife (Opens in new tab) is a free, national phone and webchat service that provides anonymous peer support and referrals for LGBTIQ+ people and their families.