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An obstetrician explains how age, ovarian reserve, lifestyle affect natural conception & why early counselling & fertility awareness matter when planning pregnancy later in life
Fertility is typically at its peak from the late teens to the early 20s, remains relatively stable through the early 30s, and begins to decline more noticeably after the age of 35.
Biologically, natural conception is closely linked to age and ovarian reserve. As Dr Dhivya Chandrasekar, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Sarjapur, Bengaluru, explains, “Women are born with a finite number of eggs, which decline in both quality and quantity over time.”
Fertility is typically at its peak from the late teens to the early 20s, remains relatively stable through the early 30s, and begins to decline more noticeably after the age of 35.
“While natural conception is still possible in the late 30s and early 40s, the likelihood of conceiving naturally in a single menstrual cycle drops to around 10 percent,” says Dr Dhivya Chandrasekar. “Beyond 45 years, spontaneous pregnancies are rare, but not impossible.”
Ageing eggs are more prone to chromosomal abnormalities, which increases the risk of miscarriage and certain genetic conditions. This makes pregnancy planning with medical guidance increasingly important as women grow older.
However, age alone does not determine fertility outcomes. “Overall health, the regularity of menstrual cycles, lifestyle factors, stress levels, body weight, and underlying medical conditions all influence a woman’s ability to conceive naturally,” notes Dr Chandrasekar.
Today, with greater awareness and easier access to fertility assessments, women are better equipped to understand their reproductive health and make informed decisions.
“For women planning pregnancy later in life due to professional, personal, or medical reasons, early counselling can help explore options such as fertility preservation, egg freezing, and optimising health before conception,” she adds.
Doctors emphasise the importance of personalised care, timely evaluation, and proactive planning so women can align their reproductive goals with their life choices while minimising risks to both mother and baby.
February 01, 2026, 10:21 IST
