Getting Pregnant Over 35 – How to Boost Your Fertility Now

If you’re in your mid-to-late 30s (or beyond) and thinking about having a baby, you’ve probably heard all the warnings – your fertility is declining, your egg quality isn’t what it used to be, and getting pregnant is suddenly an uphill battle. 

But here’s the truth: many women have healthy pregnancies and babies well after 35.

Yes, your body changes as you age, and yes, there are some additional considerations – but that doesn’t mean pregnancy after 35 is difficult or impossible. With the right knowledge and lifestyle shifts, you can optimize your fertility, increase your chances of conception, and feel empowered on your journey to motherhood.

Let’s break down what really happens to fertility after 35, the best ways to support your body for pregnancy, and practical steps to make getting pregnant easier.

What Really Happens to Fertility After 35?

First, let’s clear up a common myth: Turning 35 doesn’t mean your fertility suddenly disappears. It’s not like a switch flips overnight.

What actually happens is a gradual decline in egg quantity and quality. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and as you age:

• The number of eggs available decreases.
• The quality of eggs slightly declines, which may impact conception.
• There’s a slightly higher chance of chromosomal abnormalities, which is why miscarriage rates are higher after 35.

That said, fertility is highly individual. Some women in their early 40s conceive easily, while others in their late 20s struggle. Your overall health, lifestyle, and genetics play a huge role.

The good news? There are plenty of things you can do to boost your fertility naturally and increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Easy Ways to Get Pregnant Over 35

While nothing guarantees conception, you can stack the odds in your favor by making key lifestyle and health changes.

1. Optimize Ovulation & Track Your Cycle

One of the biggest mistakes women make when trying to conceive is guessing when they ovulate. In your 20s, you might get lucky – but after 35, timing is everything.

How to Track Ovulation:

• Use an ovulation predictor kit (OPK) to detect LH surges.
• Track basal body temperature (BBT) to confirm ovulation.
• Pay attention to cervical mucus – when it’s clear and stretchy, you’re most fertile.

If you’re not ovulating regularly, it could be due to hormonal imbalances, stress, or underlying conditions like PCOS. In this case, working with a doctor can help regulate ovulation.

2. Support Egg Quality With Nutrition & Supplements

After 35, egg quality matters just as much as quantity. While you can’t increase the number of eggs you have, with the right nutrition for fertility, you can improve the health of the eggs you have left.

Fertility-Boosting Supplements:

• CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) – Supports egg quality and mitochondrial function in eggs.
• Myo-inositol – Taking inositol has many benefits, helping regulate ovulation and insulin levels (especially for PCOS).
• Vitamin D – Supports hormonal balance and implantation.
• Folate (Methylfolate, not Folic Acid) – Essential for cell development and pregnancy health.
• Omega-3s – Reduce inflammation and improve reproductive function.

Best Foods for Fertility:

• Protein-rich foods (chicken, eggs, lentils) to support hormone production.
• Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil) to stabilize blood sugar.
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale) for essential vitamins and minerals.
• Berries & citrus for antioxidants to protect egg health.

Fertility is about creating the healthiest possible environment for conception.

3. Reduce Stress (Because It Affects Fertility More Than You Think)

You’ve probably heard someone say, “Just relax and you’ll get pregnant.” That advice is frustrating, but there is some truth to it.

Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can disrupt ovulation and hormone balance. It’s not about “just relaxing,” but rather managing stress in a way that supports your body.

Ways to Reduce Stress While TTC (Trying to Conceive):

• Try gentle movement like yoga, walking, or Pilates.
• Make sleep a priority (7-9 hours per night).
• Consider acupuncture, which has been shown to support fertility.
• Talk to someone—fertility struggles can feel isolating, and having support is crucial.

Bottom line: Your body is more likely to conceive when it feels safe and balanced.

4. Watch Your Caffeine & Alcohol Intake

A little coffee won’t ruin your chances, but high caffeine intake (over 200mg per day) has been linked to decreased fertility.

If you’re a coffee lover, consider switching to half-caff or matcha, which contains antioxidants that support fertility.

As for alcohol? A few drinks per week likely won’t affect fertility, but heavy drinking can disrupt hormone balance and ovulation. If you’re actively trying, consider cutting back or avoiding alcohol altogether.

5. Get Checked for Any Underlying Issues

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for 6+ months without success, it’s worth checking in with a doctor to rule out underlying fertility concerns.

Things to check:

• Hormone levels (AMH, FSH, LH, Estradiol, Progesterone)
• Thyroid function (thyroid imbalances can affect ovulation)
• Uterine health (fibroids, cysts, or blocked fallopian tubes)
• Semen analysis (male factor infertility plays a role in ~50% of cases)

Getting bloodwork done early can help you make informed decisions about your fertility journey.

Can You Have a Healthy Pregnancy Over 35? Absolutely.

There’s a lot of fear-based messaging around pregnancy after 35, but let’s put things into perspective:

• Thousands of women in their late 30s and 40s have healthy pregnancies every year.
• Your body is still capable of conceiving – it just might need a little more support.
• A proactive approach to fertility (nutrition, lifestyle, and stress management) can significantly increase your chances.

If you’re in your 30s or 40s and trying to conceive, you are not alone. It’s absolutely possible to have a baby over 35 and a healthy pregnancy, even if it takes a little extra effort.

Stay patient, stay informed, and most importantly – be kind to yourself.