Fertility After 35: Age and Pregnancy Chances
You’ve probably heard it before: once you hit 35, your fertility falls off a cliff. That can feel overwhelming, as though your age already defines your pregnancy chances.
But here’s the truth — age is only part of the story. Egg quality is shaped by much more than your date of birth. That means there are things you can do today to take back some control over your fertility, even if you’re 35 or older.
Why Age Isn’t the Whole Story
It’s true that as women get older, the number of eggs naturally declines. However, egg quality, specifically, the health of those eggs, depends on a combination of lifestyle, nutrition, and environmental factors.
That’s why some women conceive naturally in their early 40s, while others may struggle in their early 30s. The difference isn’t just age. It’s the cellular health of the eggs.
This is where your choices regarding food, sleep, stress, and supplements can directly impact your chances of pregnancy at any age.
Key Factors That Influence Pregnancy Chances
1. Oxidative Stress and Egg Health
Eggs are highly sensitive to free radical damage. A 2025 study found that women with infertility had significantly lower Oxidative Balance Scores, meaning they consumed fewer antioxidant-rich foods compared with women who conceived naturally.
By increasing colourful vegetables, fruits, omega-3 fats, nuts, and seeds, you can help reduce oxidative stress and improve egg quality, which in turn supports your pregnancy chances at any age.
2. Hormonal Balance Matters
Conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and insulin resistance can negatively impact ovulation and fertility after 35. Restoring hormonal balance through weight management, a nutrient-dense diet, and reducing endocrine-disrupting chemicals has been shown to improve reproductive outcomes.
3. Nutrition and Micronutrients
Folate and vitamin D are strongly linked to embryo quality and successful implantation. Low levels of these nutrients are associated with poorer IVF outcomes and reduced live birth rates.
Correcting deficiencies, along with evidence-based supplements like inositols and B vitamins, can support ovulation and egg health, both of which are crucial for enhancing fertility at any age and pregnancy chances.
This is why our 12-week Mastering Egg Health™ program includes a 1:1 fertility nutrition assessment and personalised supplement planning, with weekly accountability to support your unique journey to better egg quality.
If you’re interested in learning more about our approach and the program, visit the link here to find out more.
4. Environmental Exposures
Everyday chemicals like BPA (in plastics and canned food linings) mimic hormones and disrupt fertility. Simple swaps, such as using glass containers, stainless steel bottles, and avoiding microwaving in plastic, can protect egg health and hormone balance, especially for women trying to conceive after 35.
5. Sleep and Stress
Research shows sleep quality and stress management are closely linked with fertility outcomes. Poor sleep, high stress, and low vitamin D often cluster together, creating additional barriers for women who are already concerned about age and pregnancy chances.
The Bottom Line
- Age matters, but it isn’t everything. Nutrition, stress, hormones, and environmental factors significantly influence egg quality.
- Fertility after 35 isn’t fixed. With the right strategies, you can still enhance your chances of pregnancy.
- You have more control than you think. Supporting your egg health now sets the foundation for conception, whether naturally or through IVF.
