Getting Pregnant at Every Age: A Timeline

Whether you're thinking about having a baby now or considering the idea for later, it's natural to wonder how age affects fertility. Many factors play a role, like genetics, lifestyle choices such as smoking, and health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can disrupt ovulation. But one factor that influences everyone is age.

More and more people are choosing to have children later in life. In the United States, nearly half of all births are to women over 30, and over 20% are to women over 35. The average age of first-time mothers has steadily increased over the years. Fertility is highly individual, so two people the same age can still have very different experiences. Still, it helps to understand how fertility generally changes with time.

Let’s take a closer look at how fertility changes from your 20s to your 40s and beyond, and what steps you can take at each stage to support your chances of getting pregnant—either now or in the future.

Why Does Age Matter for Fertility?

Two major reasons are egg count and egg quality. Unlike sperm, which the body makes continuously, women are born with all the eggs they'll ever have. That number gradually decreases over time, and the eggs that remain also age, just like the rest of the body. As a result, older eggs are less likely to be healthy or result in a successful pregnancy.

This can mean it takes longer to get pregnant and may increase the risk of miscarriage or chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome. But while these risks do rise with age, it's important to remember that it only takes one healthy egg to conceive.

Ages 20 to 34

This is typically the most fertile period. If you're in good health, there's about a one-in-four chance of getting pregnant during any menstrual cycle. Most people under 35 conceive within a year of trying. Around age 30, chances remain strong, with about a 75% chance of conceiving within a year.

If you want to get pregnant now:

Have regular unprotected sex every two to three days or every one to two days during your fertile window. If you haven’t conceived after a year of trying, consider scheduling a fertility evaluation.

If you’re planning for later:

Healthy habits can support future fertility. Avoid smoking, maintain a balanced weight, and protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can damage the fallopian tubes. Tracking your menstrual cycle can help you understand your body, especially if irregularities appear. If you're interested, egg freezing is often most effective and successful in this age group.

Ages 35 to 39

After 35, fertility begins to decline more noticeably, but many people still conceive naturally. While chances may be lower than in your 20s, they're far from zero. For example, at 35, there's still about a 66% chance of conceiving within a year. By 37, fertility continues to decline more quickly, and miscarriage risks begin to rise.

If you want to get pregnant now:

If you're over 35, try for six months before seeking fertility testing. If you have known conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, consider speaking with a provider sooner. In addition to having regular unprotected sex, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. If you're in a relationship, your partner’s health and habits matter, too.

If you’re planning for later:

Egg freezing may still be a helpful option, especially at this stage. Some people may need more than one cycle to collect enough eggs. Talk with a healthcare provider to determine if this step fits your goals.

Ages 40 to 50

Pregnancy after 40 is possible, but it can be more difficult. Egg quantity and quality decline significantly during this time, and other health risks increase as well, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. The risk of miscarriage also rises. Despite these challenges, many people still get pregnant in their 40s, some with fertility assistance and others naturally.

If you want to get pregnant now:

If you're over 40 and ready to try, it's a good idea to meet with a provider for a full fertility evaluation. They can assess your current health and discuss available options, including egg donation. While not for everyone, using donated eggs from a younger person can greatly improve the chance of pregnancy.

If you’re unsure or exploring options:

Talk with a specialist about your fertility status and what options are realistic. Some people in their 40s still conceive naturally, but assisted reproductive technologies, including IVF with donor eggs, may offer the highest success rates in this age range.

Final Thoughts

Your age is one piece of the fertility puzzle, but it's not the only one. Many people conceive naturally well into their 30s and even 40s, while others may benefit from fertility support. Knowing how fertility changes over time empowers you to plan according to your life, your body, and your goals.

Whether you're actively trying, considering children in the future, or simply gathering information, understanding how fertility evolves can help you take the next right step for you.