How likely you are to conceive each month depends on your age and overall health. As you may have already guessed, your chances of getting pregnant each cycle decrease as you get older. Thanks, Mother Nature!
Here are the Stats:
- Women under 25 have a 25% chance of conceiving each cycle (assuming there aren’t any underlying fertility issues).
- Women ages 35 to 39 have a 15% chance of getting pregnant each cycle. 82% of these women get pregnant within a year.
- By age 40, women have a 5% chance of conceiving each cycle.1 Sounds dismal, I know, but with all of the medical advances out there, it’s still possible – it just might take a little longer.
What Should I Do If It Doesn’t Happen This Month?
If it doesn’t work out this cycle, don’t despair. On average, more than 50% of women get pregnant within 6 months and roughly 85% of women get pregnant within 1 year.2
PediaTips:
- Contact your doctor if you’re under 35 and nothing has happened for 1 year.
- If you’re 35 or older, reach out to your doctor after 6 months of crickets.
Why is 35 an Important Number in Pregnancy?
In the medical world, women who are 35 or older at the time of delivery are considered “advanced maternal age” (AMA).
Note: There’s nothing magical about the number 35. It’s simply the age at which certain pregnancy risks become more pronounced. Get Wise about the risks associated with advanced maternal age and what to do about them.
The Bottom Line
Getting pregnant can happen in the blink of an eye or it can take a little while. As women age, their odds of conceiving decline. Have patience and seek help when needed (specifically if you’re under 35 and you’ve been trying to get pregnant for 12 months OR you’re 35 & over and you’ve been at it for 6 months).
