Americans are putting off parenthood longer than ever.
In fact, the birth rate among U.S. women in their early 30s outpaced that of women in their late 20s for the seventh year in a row in 2022. The number of babies born to women 40 and older is also climbing, according to government data.
This flies in the face of the common narrative that getting pregnant becomes harder — or riskier — as you get older. But fertility experts say the truth is more nuanced.
Dr. Randi Goldman, program director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Northwell, told The Post that while fertility does naturally decline with age, it’s a gradual process and many women are still able to conceive successfully later in life.
“Between 35 and 40, fertility declines as egg quantity and quality decrease, and the risk of miscarriage increases,” Goldman said.
“However, your body doesn’t know that it’s your birthday the day you turn 35 — it’s not like a light switch flips, and all of a sudden your eggs become less viable.”
Research shows that women in their early 30s still have a solid chance at natural conception. The odds of getting pregnant in any single menstrual cycle are around 25% for women in their 20s, dropping to about 20% at 30, and 15% at 35 — still “pretty good,” according to Goldman.
“In the early 40s, the monthly chance of natural conception is around 5% or less, primarily due to a steeper decline in egg quality and quantity,” Goldman said. “The risk of miscarriage also rises, reaching about 40-50% by age 42.”
While this may sound discouraging, Goldman said it’s a myth that getting pregnant naturally after 40 is out of the question. “While chances are lower, it’s still possible for many women,” she said.
For women who have trouble conceiving naturally, the field of assisted reproductive technology is booming. A 2023 Pew Research survey found that 42% of Americans say they or someone they know has used services like egg freezing or in vitro fertilization (IVF), up from 33% just five years prior.
But here’s the catch: fertility treatments aren’t a guarantee.
“Success rates with IVF decline with age, and after the mid-40’s many women opt to utilize egg donation,” Goldman said.
Delaying motherhood has been a growing trend for decades, driven by factors such as better access to birth control, later marriages, and women increasingly prioritizing education, careers, and financial stability before having children.
Back in 1970, government data shows the average age for a woman in the U.S. to have her first baby was around 21. By 2022, that age had climbed to just over 27 — a record high in the country.
Historically, women 35 and older were considered at higher risk for complications when having a baby. You might’ve heard this referred to as “geriatric pregnancies,” a term Goldman says is “outdated and unnecessarily alarming.”
“While pregnancy after 35 does carry increased risks, most women in this age group have totally healthy pregnancies with proper prenatal care,” she said.
“It’s important to focus on individualized risk assessments rather than blanket fears. Age is just one factor among many.”
Today, about 20% of women in the U.S. have their first baby after 35, up from just 7.4% in 2000. Between 2021 and 2022, the birth rate for women ages 40 to 44 rose 4%, while the birth rate for women 45 and older spiked 12%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For women hoping to have children one day, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
While healthy habits can support fertility, Goldman said they can’t reverse the natural decline in egg quality or quantity as you age.
Also, regular periods don’t always mean your fertility is intact — especially after 35, when egg quality starts to drop more significantly, she said.
If you’re over 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months with no success, the National Institutes of Health recommends booking an appointment with your doctor to discuss fertility concerns.
