Women frequently hear about their biological clock ticking. Even science confirms that a woman’s chances of getting pregnant start decreasing as she grows older. It can be stressful to know that there’s a time limit to fertility. If you’re trying to get pregnant, here are some pros and cons of attempting and your fertility in your 20s.
- Better odds of Getting Pregnant
Biologically speaking, the 20s is the prime time to get pregnant. The odds of a woman getting pregnant each month are around 20 to 25 percent when she’s in her 20s. This is the highest they’ll ever be. However, this does not mean a young woman cannot have infertility issues. Women in their 20s have good egg quality, but other causes of infertility such as tubal issues, or low sperm count in the male partner can lead to problems in conceiving.
- Better Health
You’re more physically fit in your 20s. This might be beneficial as raising a child is a lot of hard work. Apart from having higher odds of getting pregnant, being fit means you also have lower chances of miscarriage, chromosomal abnormalities, and gestational diabetes. Young women’s bodies handle the demands of pregnancy better than their older counterparts. Also, if you want to have a large family, you’ll have more time to space out giving birth to your kids. Experts say women wait at least 18 months between pregnancies before trying again. Our experts at KIMS Cuddles will help you decide what’s best for you.
- Risks to the Mother
The risk of developing preeclampsia is highest among first pregnancies. Most women in their 20s are likely to expect for the first time. In rare cases, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for both mother and fetus, but it is usually manageable. There is also the emotional factor to think of. Many women who conceive in their 20s feel like they were not able to pursue their dreams or achieve their career goals and may regret having kids later on. This can lead to postpartum depression and other emotional imbalances. Talking to the doctor can help.
- Risks to the Baby
Every pregnancy has some risk involved. However, many risks increase with age. According to American Pregnancy Association, the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome is 1 in 1600 at age 20, and 1 in 1300 at age 25. Keep in mind that these are the risks at birth. Even the risk of any chromosomal abnormality is 1 in 526 and 1 in 476 at age 20 and 25 respectively. Chromosomal abnormalities lead to miscarriage in the first trimester.
Understanding more about fertility and associated risks will help women take an informed decision about when to try conceiving. If a woman in her 20s is unable to get pregnant after a year of trying, it is important to seek medical help. Our doctors at KIMS Cuddles will be able to guide with best fertility treatment as per the need.
*Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.