Let’s face it. Times have changed since the days when our mothers were starting families, most of them in their early 20s.

Today women have engaging careers, and because of this, many women are waiting until they are in their 30s before entertaining the idea of becoming pregnant. The reasons for this are many…financial stability, maturity, job security and the list goes on. Maturity is a strong advantage women have in their 30s. Most likely they have matured to the point where they can deal with the challenges of motherhood.

The reasons for waiting until your 30s seem valid and even wise. But as with everything in life, there are a few things that need to be considered when preparing for pregnancy. First and very important is your age. Where in your 30s are you? Granted, the odds of becoming pregnant anytime within your 30s are good, but there are risks such as miscarriages. The risk of miscarriages rises as we age can be as high as 20% from age 30 to age 34. Yes, you still have a strong chance of getting pregnant from age 35 to age 39, but again, there are risks such as miscarriage or abnormal pregnancies.

Let’s talk about the Pros and Cons of getting pregnant in your 30s.

Bear in mind that you will want to have close contact with your gynecologist while you are preparing for pregnancy as she will have solid advice to ensure the best pregnancy possible. As we mentioned above, the pros of getting pregnant in your 30s include financial and relationship stability, life experience and maturity. The cons could include difficulty in conceiving, pregnancy and/or delivery complications, age-related medical issues such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure, and a higher risk of miscarriages.

Don’t let the cons cause you despair! There are things you can do while preparing for pregnancy to help ensure a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby.

• First and foremost, meet with your gynecologist before you become pregnant
• Wean off any birth control pills a few months before you start trying to get pregnant
• Stop smoking and drinking
• Exercise
• Avoid stress whenever possible and also learn to manage stress
• Continue meeting with your gynecologist
• Consult your doctor regarding any medications you are taking
• Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, and vegetables

There are so many valid reasons to wait until your 30s to become pregnant. Talk with your gynecologist before you become pregnant. And ask questions. Remember, there are no silly questions. Be honest about your concerns and your health and look forward to welcoming your new child!

This information is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Should you have any questions or would like to discuss preparing for pregnancy, please contact the staff at Parveen S. Vahora, MD. We are here to help.