Why age 35?

[MissN8]

Hi all just wondering why is it age 35 that you are classed as an older mum if ttc? what is the difference from 34 to 35? I just don't get it. do you think its to scare women they say this. last time I was in for a smear test I mentioned it to the nurse and she said not to worry that 35 is still young to try which I agree but its just you do hear so many people mention possible risks after 35. I am going to try and not think about it and if after 6 months nothing happens then go for tests.

 

[Seity]

Honestly, personal health of each individual is going to make much more of a difference than age, but they have to pick an age for legal reasons and statistically speaking a greater percentage of women will have troubles either conceiving or with birth defects starting approximately around the age of 35.

I had sex only once both times I got pregnant (at age 36 and 39) and had the easiest pregnancies and labors, so I don't believe it for a second. I know girls in their 20's who had a much worse time of it than me.
I also had great recoveries. Bounced right back into my pre-pregnancy size less than 1 month after the births.

 

[tryfor2]

Yes, I agree with Seity--it's just an age experts have agreed upon based on statistics that show 35+ is when women tend to START having problems conceiving, sustaining a healthy pregnancy etc. From my research however, I think it's more like 38 when your fertility tends to--generally--drop off, and after 40 when miscarriage rates really rise. Like Seity I also got pregnant very easily (at 35) and didn't have problems. I know women older than me who had similar experiences, and much younger women who struggled to conceive and have worse pregnancies and births. I do think you have to take so much more than age into account.

 

[MissN8]

thanks for the reply girls. I guess each individual is different.