You’ve hit 35—or you’re close—and suddenly, everyone’s talking about your “biological clock.”
Maybe your doctor mentioned “advanced maternal age.” Maybe friends are freezing eggs. Maybe you’re wondering, “Did I wait too long?”
Here’s the real story: yes, fertility changes after 35—but that doesn’t mean pregnancy is out of reach.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What happens to fertility as you age
- The real stats on getting pregnant at 35 and beyond
- How age affects egg quality and pregnancy risks
- What you can do now—whether you’re trying or just thinking ahead
What Happens to Fertility After 35?
Biologically, women are most fertile in their 20s and early 30s. But that doesn’t mean 35 is a hard cutoff.
Here’s what changes:
- Egg quantity (ovarian reserve) declines
- Egg quality decreases—making fertilization and implantation harder.
- Ovulation may become less predictable.
- The risk of chromosomal abnormalities slowly increases.
Important: These changes happen gradually—not overnight on your 35th birthday.
What Are the Chances of Getting Pregnant at 35?
According to research:
- Women under 35 have a 20–25% chance of conceiving each month
- By age 35, the monthly chance drops to about 15–20%
- At age 40, it’s around 5–10% per month¹
That said—many women do get pregnant naturally at 35 and beyond. It just may take longer.
Most OB-GYNs recommend:
- Trying for 6 months at 35+ before seeking support
- Considering egg reserve testing if you’re unsure or planning ahead
➡️ Read: Fertility Testing for Women: When to Start & What to Expect
How Does Age Affect Egg Quality?
Every woman is born with all the eggs she’ll ever have. As you age:
- The number of eggs declines (especially after 35)
- The proportion of genetically normal eggs drops.
- This can lead to lower chances of conception, higher miscarriage risk, or chromosomal conditions.
You can still conceive with your own eggs after 35—but the time to act becomes more important.
Should You Test Your Fertility at 35?
If you’re thinking about trying soon—or want clarity—it’s smart to check your baseline.
Recommended tests:
- AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Estimates egg reserve
- FSH & Estradiol (Day 2–5): Hormone markers of ovarian function
- Ultrasound (AFC): Counts antral follicles in ovaries
- Thyroid and prolactin: Checks for hormonal issues
Testing helps you:
- Decide if you should try naturally, wait, or explore egg-freezing
- Catch any hidden issues early.
- Reduce future stress with data—not guesses
➡️ Book a Care Navigator call for personalized fertility support
What About Pregnancy Risks at 35+?
“Advanced maternal age” (35+) sounds scary—but many women have healthy pregnancies in their mid-to-late 30s.
However, some risks do increase with age:
- Miscarriage (due to egg quality issues)
- Gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Chromosomal conditions (e.g., Down syndrome)
Your doctor may recommend:
- More frequent monitoring
- NIPT testing (Noninvasive prenatal testing)
- Earlier screenings or consultations with a high-risk OB
Most of these risks are manageable with early care and good prenatal habits.
What You Can Do to Improve Fertility at 35+
It’s not all out of your hands. Here’s what helps:
- Nourish your hormones with healthy fats, fibre, and protein
- Exercise consistently but not excessively.
- Reduce alcohol, smoking, and endocrine disruptors.
- Consider supplements like:
- CoQ10 (for egg quality)
- Omega-3s
- Prenatal with folate
- Vitamin D
Start tracking ovulation sooner—timing is key at this age.
➡️ Read: When Does Conception Happen? Ovulation Timing Explained
Real-Life Story
“I started trying at 35, and it didn’t happen in the first 6 months. I was so anxious. My Care Navigator helped me get hormone testing, and I had a lot of personalised insights. I’m now trying again.”
— Lydia, 37
Myth vs Reality
| Myth | Reality |
| “It’s too late after 35.” | Many women conceive at 35–40, with or without help. |
| “Fertility drops off a cliff at 35.” | It declines gradually—age 38–40 is a more significant shift. |
| “IVF is inevitable.” | You may not need IVF—many succeed with natural conception or simple support. |
| “You shouldn’t even try after 35.” | That’s outdated. Fertility planning is highly individual. |
Final Thoughts
Turning 35 doesn’t mean your fertility journey is over—it means it’s time to get informed and intentional.
You can still get pregnant. You can still have options. And you don’t need to walk the journey alone. With data, support, and strategy, age can be a factor—not a fear.
Call to Action
👉 Want clarity on your fertility at 35 or older?
Take our free 5-minute quiz to assess your hormone health and get personalized next steps.
👉 https://zorahealth.co/quiz/reproductive-health
Sources
- CDC – Age and Fertility
- ASRM – Fertility and Age
- Mayo Clinic – Pregnancy After 35
- NIH – Female Fertility Timeline
Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.
