Am I crazy to wait a year when I will be 35?

[Amyk01]

I am turning 34 years old in the next few months, and I have been married for nearly 2 years. DH and I would like to start ttc very soon, but I am currently unemployed and his job situation isn’t overly stable. We both intend to get more permanent jobs over the next few months, and then I’m thinking we will ttc a year after when I’m 35 as I will have mat leave. Is this a bad idea waiting a whole year for this reason? Does it make much of a significant difference whether you ttc at 34 or 35? Is there anything I can do in the meantime to ensure that we are in the best possible position to conceive when the time comes?

No I think you are being extremely sensible! When you're in a stable financial situation you will find it much easier to afford an extra mouth to feed plus maternity pay will be a huge help. I don't think it will make a massive difference waiting one year if I'm honest either. I think you're doing the right thing for you and your future child ❤️❤️

First off, it sounds like you're already doing the best thing in deciding to wait until you feel more ready! Aside from the job situation, you can do things to help your body prepare. Conception vitamins or folic acid for 3 months before you start trying is generally a good idea, and stopping any hormonal contraception and using another method (barrier methods) of contraception for around a month before you hope to conceive can really help. It gives your body a cycle without anything else messing with your hormones and is apparently supposed to help you track ovulation. Maybe a word with your GP too, about anything they'd suggest before TTC?

Of course all of these things are up to you, and the best of luck!

Agree with the others! There is nothing magical about the age of 35 that would make it suddenly a lot harder to conceive.

What you could do is some TTC prep - everything cupcakedreamer suggests, & make lifestyle adjustments if necessary (cut down on caffeine and alcohol - both you and your partner! - lose weight if your BMI would affect treatment options should you need them - this is the first thing, unfortunately, doctors will zoom in on). Start tracking your cycles so you know roughly what's going on every month, and quit hormonal birth control (the sooner the better - it may take up to a year for your body to regulate itself after you stop taking the pill).

Sounds like you're very sensible!!

By the way, once you start a new job if you become pregnant after starting the job, you will be eligible for maternity leave/pay. No need to wait a year :)