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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

How important is age when TTC?

57 replies

TTCquestion · 07/01/2024 20:43

Hi all. I just saw a reply on a thread about conception (about whether it’s down to luck) which got me thinking. One poster emphasised how it really comes down to age.

We are wondering when to start TTC for DC2 and my DH thinks we could wait a few years (although said whenever I’m really). I’m 36 now and we were really fortunate as it happened pretty quickly with DC1 so I think he imagines it’ll be similar next time. I reminded him that we might not be so lucky next time, especially if we leave a gap of a few years. I worry it’ll be a risk, waiting, even though I know I’ll hardly be old in say three years! We definitely want another baby.

So I suppose I’d like to hear about experiences of TTC at different ages. Did it take you longer to conceive when older? What ages were you at the time of different t pregnancies? You might think something else was a factor which I’d also appreciate hearing about, if you’re happy to share of course.

Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
2024BigWhoop · 07/01/2024 20:56

Aged 31 : pregnancy number 1 : pregnant on first cycle.

Aged 34 : pregnancy number 2 : 11 months of trying.

pjani · 07/01/2024 20:56

Why not google and try and find some of the science? Basically, in your late 30s, your age does matter. It sucks!

traintractor · 07/01/2024 20:53

In terms of fertility you will be old in 3 years time. Your fertility is likely to decline quite a lot between 36 & 39. If you want a second child I wouldn't wait tbh.

Mystro202 · 07/01/2024 20:52

I have 4 children born at ages 32, 35, 37 &39. I had a mmc in between 1 & 2 when I was 34 so for me it wasn't so much about age. I've been very lucky otherwise with quick conceptions and low risk pregnancies and labours.

CurlyWurly1991 · 07/01/2024 20:52

How old is your DH?
yes I noticed a big difference in my fertility between mid 20s and mid 30s. I also found my periods became irregular and I now have more anovulatory cycles. I wouldn’t hang around if you are sure you want another child tbh.

ElevenSeven · 07/01/2024 20:47

Anecdotal evidence isn’t going to help really; yes, age is a factor, so I’d crack on.

Victoryai · 07/01/2024 20:45

At 36 I would get cracking. Secondary infertility is (unfortunately) quite common.