How important is age when TTC?

[TTCquestion]

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

I worry about this too. I have one child, am dating and would love another, but can't get cracking as I haven't met anyone yet. Worried I won't until my late 30s and it will be too late. Very lucky I have the one I have.

I conceived DD at age 31 on first month. Now age 34 and currently on month 5 of ttc. I stupidly thought it would happen 1st or 2nd go again. I know 5 months isn't overly long but longer than I anticipated

DD1 - 19 at conception and on the pill
DD2 - 25 at conception and 13 months of trying with a chemical miscarriage in month 1
DS - 29 at conception and one time having unprotected sex

Not sure how that fits in.

Personally at 36 I wouldn't wait if you can start now. I got pregnant right away when we started at 37 but MC and it took us 2.5 years to succeed again. Lots of my friends had no issue to get pregnant with their first but struggled with their second and third.

Yes, even among my friends unfortunately. Totally unexplained too. Thanks for replying.

Age 29- 4 months ttc
Age 31- 5 months ttc but ended in miscarriage
Age 33- 15 months ttc

For me it got harder with age but you see tonnes of women on hear who seem to fall pregnant easily in even their late 30s.

If you're certain you want another and having them now is feasible, I'd probably start trying now in your shoes.

36 might be young in many ways but it’s not young in a biological sense and I’d definitely get moving on having another - if you’re interested then a good read is ’it starts with the egg’ or have a look at Hertility on instagram

Yep this. I was 36 when I had my first and only but I know people who have had one fine then for unknown reason had trouble TTC again. I wouldn't leave it too long if I was you.

For me it took longer(a year) with my first at 30, then fell pregnant straight Away at 33 but miscarried at 10 wks, 2 months later fell pregnant with my second.
Now at 36, fell preg first try then miscarry, then fell pregnant again first try...but just found out.
I don't know what is the cause of miscarriages.
I wanted a third, And I feel 36 for me is old enough, I wouldnt want to wait any longer.

He’s 38. I really should have included that detail.

Thanks for sharing. I suspect that about some of my cycles as before trying to conceive DC1 I never got a positive ovulation predictor kit. I know the peak can be so fast though which might also be why.

Sorry to hear about your missed miscarriage. Thank you for replying.

Thanks for the brutal reminder! 😂 I suspected as much.

Another saying crack on.

You might not have problems, but if you do, and lose a year or more on 'trying' and referrals you might find you are hitting NHS age limits for treatment,especially if you already have a child.

(I had 2 in my 40s naturally. It happens. I was very lucky.)

Thank you everyone for your replies. You’ve confirmed what I thought would be the case: that we really should get cracking. I should have said in my OP but DC1 is still a baby and I had a CS so I think we’ll (have to?) wait until she’s 1. This is the problem when you wait until your 30s to meet a nice man who you’re happy to marry and be the father of your DC: potentially two under 2! 🙈

PS I should have added to my above comment that I’m not totally against having two so close in age. I can definitely see benefits having a close gap to my own sister.

It matters a great deal, the science is clear on that.

To a lesser extent, I think conceiving is one part of the battle. Raising kids at an older comes with it's challenges.

Dealing with a teenager in your 30s vs in your 50s a different battle for example. That's just my opinion. You can't of course, help when you find the right partner.

You don't need to wait until she is one to TTC after a C section.

Oh really? Would that affect my chance of a VBAC though, if I didn’t wait a year I mean? I’m not precious about having a VBAC though!