Your 30s can be transformative, full of personal and professional growth and chances to start or grow your family. It’s essential to understand how age affects fertility and explore ways to support your reproductive health.
While many people can conceive and have healthy pregnancies in this decade, it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges and strategies for protecting and enhancing your reproductive health during this phase of life.
Fertility closely links to age, and for people with ovaries, the
While many people in their early 30s may find it relatively easy to conceive, fertility tends to decline more significantly after 35 years old — a marker often called “advanced maternal age.”
From that point onward, the quantity and quality of eggs diminish at a faster rate, increasing the risks of difficulty conceiving, miscarriage, or chromosomal abnormalities in the baby.
However, it’s important to emphasize that these changes don’t necessarily mean you can’t conceive and have a healthy pregnancy in your 30s. Instead, it highlights the importance of monitoring and supporting your reproductive health during this time.
Much more than age influences fertility. Lifestyle choices, overall health, and potential underlying medical conditions may all affect your ability to conceive.
Hormonal balance is a key factor, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid conditions may interfere with ovulation. Additionally, endometriosis — where endometrial-like tissue grows outside your uterus — may also create challenges for conception.
Other factors that may affect reproductive health include:
- difficulty maintaining a moderate weight
- a nonnutritious diet
- alcohol consumption and smoking
- high stress levels
While many people in their 30s have healthy pregnancies, some risks increase with age. For people more than 35 years old, there’s a slightly higher likelihood of complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.
Your doctor may recommend additional screenings or prenatal testing if you’re in your 30s and pregnant or trying to conceive. Staying in close communication with your care team may help reduce risks and ensure the most favorable outcomes possible for you and your baby.
If you’re trying to conceive in your 30s, you can take several steps to maximize your fertility and prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy. You may want to start by scheduling a preconception appointment with your doctor. This appointment can help identify any underlying health concerns and ensure you’re on the right track.
Focus on eating a nutritious diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Nutrients such as folic acid, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D are particularly important for reproductive health and prenatal development. Your doctor may also recommend a prenatal vitamin to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients.
Want to test your own fertility at home?
Check out Healthline’s vetted list of the top at-home fertility tests.
Staying active and managing stress are also essential. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and adequate sleep can improve your overall well-being and boost fertility.
Additionally, avoid smoking and alcohol consumption and minimize exposure to environmental toxins that may harm reproductive health.
If you’ve tried to conceive for more than 6 months without conceiving after 35 years old, it may be time to consult a fertility specialist.
They can perform tests to evaluate your reproductive health and recommend treatments or interventions such as fertility medications, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in vitro fertilization (IVF), as needed.
Remember, getting help is simply a proactive step toward reaching your family-building goals. Advances in fertility treatments have helped many people in their 30s and beyond conceive and have healthy pregnancies.
While fertility naturally declines as you age, many people conceive and have healthy pregnancies in their 30s. Being informed about the changes that occur during this decade can empower you to take control of your reproductive health.
Adopting healthy habits, addressing potential concerns with your doctor, and getting support when needed can maximize your chances of starting or growing your family on your own timeline.
