How to Get Pregnant in Middle Age
It is more difficult for a middle-aged woman to get pregnant than a woman in her 20s. In fact, by age 40 the chance of conceiving each month drops to 5 percent. This decrease in fertility may be due to many factors, including fewer eggs, less frequent intercourse, changes in ovulation and conditions such as endometriosis. However, it is possible to become pregnant in middle age by making some lifestyle adjustments.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Stop taking birth control immediately. It may take several months for your menstrual cycle to return to normal and for pregnancy to be possible.
-
2
Practice healthy habits by eating a balanced diet and eliminating use of alcohol and tobacco. Smoking can reduce fertility.
-
-
3
Take prenatal vitamins. Higher levels of folic acid and other nutrients are important for the development of an unborn baby, and it is beneficial to get these nutrients before conception.
-
4
If you are overweight, exercise and try to lose weight safely. Women with a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 30 are more likely to get pregnant.
-
5
Reduce consumption of caffeine. Some studies show a link between a high intake of caffeine and infertility.
-
6
Stop the use of vaginal sprays, douches and lubricants. These can reduce the cervical mucus that is needed to move sperm to the egg. They also change the pH balance of the vagina, making the environment unwelcoming for sperm.
-
7
Use an ovulation test kit to determine which days of the month you ovulate. Have sex during and just before these ovulation days. This will put the sperm in a place to meet with the egg as it descends down the fallopian tube.
-
8
Elevate your hips after intercourse to expose the cervix to the maximum amount of semen.
-
9
See a specialist if you are not pregnant after three to six months of having frequent and unprotected sex. A doctor will be able to determine if you or your partner have any fertility problems and can work with you to find a treatment or solution. A specialist can also talk with you about alternative ways to become pregnant, such as in vitro fertilization.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Try having intercourse in the morning, when sperm counts are highest.
You can reduce your risk of pregnancy complications by keeping yourself in good health before and during pregnancy.
Do not allow yourself to get excessively stressed about trying to get pregnant. Stress can prevent ovulation and mess up your regular menstrual cycle.
Complications are more likely to occur in pregnancies of middle-aged women, so talk with your doctor first to determine if it is safe for you to conceive.
