Women are not often warned not to delay pregnancy, because the age factor is very influential. The likelihood of getting pregnant is said to be diminishing, as the age increases. Is that right?
Unfortunately, it is not wrong if there is the assumption that fertility can decrease with age. However, it does not mean you can not get pregnant at all. Pregnancy opportunities remain, especially if you always apply a healthy lifestyle so far.
There will always be a possibility to conceive as long as the female reproductive organs are functioning normally. However, that does not mean you are free to postpone pregnancy. Because the risk of miscarriage and health problems will increase with age.
If you are currently planning a pregnancy, here is an information about fertility opportunities based on age groups that you should know:
Age 20s
According to experts, the age of 20 is the perfect time to undergo pregnancy because women are at the peak of fertility. Egg quality is still very good, and the risk of pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, is generally lower.
Age 30s
There is a presumption that the age of 30 years is the best time for women to become a mother because it is generally already more mentally mature. However, precisely the chances of pregnancy at this age began smaller than the previous age. Although stamina is still good enough to undergo pregnancy, it seems that the risk of miscarriage is slightly increased. Therefore, it is advisable to more regularly consult a doctor and perform a series of blood tests to ensure health conditions.
Age 40s
Although the possibility to get pregnant is not closed, but women should be very vigilant. Given the number and quality of eggs produced is much lower. Complications of pregnancy at this age are also more emerging, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and placental problems. Pregnancy at this age has a higher risk for miscarriage, low birth weight babies, to Down syndrome.
If you and your partner are to plan for pregnancy, there are ways you can improve your chances of fertility, including:
Regular sex
Try to have sex about 2-3 times a week without using a condom. Women in their 30s, should immediately consult a doctor if you have sex regularly for 1 year, but have not reached pregnancy. As for women over the age of 35 years, if it has been a regular relationship more than 6 months.
Added by Dr Gibbons, today's men are more infertile than ever. About 40 percent of problems never get pregnant because of the man himself and his fertility. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, one third of infertility cases are caused by men, another third are caused by women, and the rest are caused by both parties and unexplained factors (both healthy but still difficult to conceive).
Regular checkup to the doctor
Routine check up to a doctor is highly recommended for you who are planning a pregnancy. Coupled with the help of medicines and a healthy lifestyle, the chances of pregnancy will increase.
Always observe fertility marks
Record the date of menstruation and identify signs of fertile period, such as body temperature and cervical mucus. If you already know, you and your partner can find the right time to have sex.
Keep Cigarettes
Both you and your spouse. "You should not have smoked!" says Dr. Gibbons. One study showed that if you smoked 10 cigarettes a day or more, your fertility would be reduced. "There is some evidence that some chemicals in cigarette smoke will kill the ovaries," said Dr Gibbons, who smoked menopause early because these substances will kill their eggs. While in men, there is some evidence to suggest that smoking can affect sperm concentration and motility.
Keep Weight
One more reason why you should keep your weight in the ideal number, Women who have a BMI greater than 27 or less than 17 will directly reduce their fertility. Being at the middle number would be better, and this also applies to men.
Cek your BMI here.
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
According to Dr Gibbons, if you consume more than four portions of alcoholic drinks per week, it will reduce fertility and increase the risk of ovulatory dysfunction. One serving of alcoholic drinks referred to in this article is equivalent to 12 grams of alcohol. There is also other evidence to suggest that frequent consumption of alcoholic drinks increases the risk of endometriosis.
Limit Caffeine intake
Dr. Gibbons agrees with a recommendation from the March of Dimes that if you are in the course of trying to get pregnant, limit your calorie intake to no more than 200 mg per day. "The amount is equivalent to three cups of coffee per day," says March of Dimes
Sports
Exercise is good for your body, but do not be too extreme. Sports and diet are part of a healthy lifestyle, but it is not advisable to exercise that is too extreme. There is a recommendation that women can do aerobic exercise but not more than 7 hours per week. If more than that, then you just have the potential to reduce fertility.
The addition of age does not necessarily close the possibility of women to get pregnant. However, the longer you delay, the risk of pregnancy complications will also be higher.
Always consult a doctor for your pregnancy plan, any age you do it. If it is successful, be sure to do a pregnancy check according to the doctor's advice.