Up to what age can a woman give birth?

Current trends and biology

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the average age of women giving birth to their first child has fallen from 21.4 in 1970 to 26.8 in 2017.

In the United Kingdom, this figure has also risen from 25.6 years in 1920 to 29 years in 2018. According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, in 2021, one in four women (25.7%) gave birth to their first child at the age of 35 or older. The number of women deciding to give birth after the age of 40 has more than doubled in the last 20 years. Giving birth to your first child after the age of 30 is now quite common. However, these changes only concern social norms, not biology.

Female physiology remains unchanged: a woman’s body lives according to a specific biological programme and does not ‘wait’ for professional or personal fulfilment. It is therefore important to decide to have children when fertility and the quality of reproductive cells are at their peak.

Biological and medical aspects of age

How does age affect fertility?

With age, the number of antral follicles in the ovaries decreases and the quality of eggs deteriorates. This is a natural and irreversible process. The older a woman is, the older her eggs are, which are formed before she is born.

Menopause and the cessation of reproductive function

With the onset of menopause:

• the number of eggs decreases;
• menstrual cycles cease;
• ovulation disappears;
• age-related involution of the endometrium occurs.

Residual ovarian hormone function is maintained, contributing to a smooth transition, protection of the cardiovascular system and overall well-being during the ageing process.

Optimal age and possible risks

Recommended age for childbirth

It is generally considered that the optimal age for having the first child is between 20 and 28 years, and for the second child — up to 35 years. This is mainly due to the quality of the eggs and the low risk of complications for the mother and foetus.

Main risks of late pregnancy

• Genetic: the likelihood of having a child with Down syndrome increases with age;
• Cardiovascular: the strain on the mother’s body increases significantly after the age of 36;
• Gestational: pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and foetal hypoxia are more common;
• Obstetric: increased risk of complications during childbirth and the need for surgical intervention.

Preparing for pregnancy after the age of 35

Complete preparation includes:

• Genetic testing (karyotyping) of the couple for hereditary risks;
• Weight control: obesity reduces fertility and increases the risk of complications;
• Medication: to normalise hormone levels, blood clotting and prevent immunological barriers;
• Surgical recommendations: if necessary, removal of fibroids, polyps, endometrioid cysts;
• Psychological support: developing a positive attitude and confidence in success.

Pregnancy after 40 and ART

Assisted reproductive technology (ART)

Even after 40, it is possible to successfully carry a child with the help of assisted reproductive technology (ART):

• In vitro fertilisation (IVF) using your own eggs;
• Nuclear transfer (PNT) or splitting nucleus transfer (MST);
• Egg donation programme (IVF with egg donation, IVF with double donation);
• Embryo donation and surrogacy (in complex cases).

When is IVF with donor eggs indicated?

The programme is used in the following cases:

• Ovarian reserve depletion
• Surgical intervention on the ovaries
• Presence of hereditary diseases

The main prerequisite for success is a healthy endometrium and the ability of the uterus to accept the embryo.

Late pregnancy: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of late motherhood

• Conscious choice and greater responsibility;
• Emotional maturity and stable relationships;
• Financial and social stability.

Advantages of being a young mother

• High-quality eggs;
• Minimal risk of chromosomal abnormalities;
• Natural pregnancy and childbirth;
• Fewer chronic diseases and external factors.

What to do if you are postponing motherhood?

• Get tested to assess your ovarian reserve (ultrasound, AMH);
• Consider egg freezing at a young age;
• Treat gynaecological conditions that affect fertility;
• Live a healthy lifestyle — this affects your child’s future genetic material.

What is the ideal age?

From a physiological point of view, the optimal age for having a baby is between 20 and 35. However, thanks to medical advances and assisted reproductive technologies, women can become mothers at a later age.

Each case is unique and depends largely on health, lifestyle, and timely access to specialists.

The Natuvitro reproductive medicine clinic team supports its patients at every stage, from planning to childbirth. Their expertise and individual approach make it possible to fulfil the dream of motherhood at any age.