Understanding Your Pregnancy Odds: A Guide to Fertility in Your 20s, 30s, and 40s

At Axia Women’s Health, we believe that the “right” time to start a family is deeply personal. Whether you are focused on your career in your 20s, finding the right partner in your 30s, or deciding to expand your family in your 40s, your timeline is valid.

With recent Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data showing that more women aged 40 and older are having babies than ever before, the conversation around fertility is shifting from “when you should” to “how we can support you.” Understanding the biological “odds” isn’t about creating pressure, it’s about empowerment. When you have the facts, you can make the best decisions for your future.

Fertility by the Numbers: What to Expect

Fertility is a journey that changes over time, but it is important to remember that statistics are averages, not destiny. Here is a look at the typical “odds” of conception by decade, backed by data from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Society For Reproductive Medicine.

In Your 20s

In your 20s, your ovarian reserve (the number and quality of your eggs) is at its highest, increasing your chances of conception.

• The Odds: You have about a 25-30% chance of getting pregnant during any single menstrual cycle.
• The Big Picture: About 85–90% of women in this age group will conceive within one year of trying.

If you’re in your 20s and pregnancy is in your near future, starting a conversation with your Axia OB/GYN about your reproductive goals is a great first step. We often like to begin with preconception counseling to ensure your body is at its healthiest before you even begin. If pregnancy is not one of your goals, we can also work with you to understand the variety of contraception options available to you.

In Your 30s

Fertility remains robust through your early 30s, though it begins a gradual decline after age 35. What was once referred to as the “fertility cliff” at age 35, researchers suggest may not be quite as dramatic as a shift. However, there are certain risks associated with pregnancy after 35. That’s why it’s critical to establish a relationship with an OB/GYN you trust so you can review existing medical conditions, current medications, and individual risk factors to help create a tailored plan to optimize your health to foster a health pregnancy.

• The Odds: In yours 30s, the chance of conceiving in any given month is about 20-25%.
• The Big Picture: While fertility does begin to decline at age 35, research suggests approximately 75% of women in their early 30s will conceive within 1 year, and that number drops to about 66% after age 35.

If you are over 35 and haven’t conceived after six months of trying, we don’t want you to wait. Our providers can begin initial fertility workups immediately to give you answers and support you in understanding your options. Those options may include first-line fertility medications to help stimulate your ovary production, or we may recommend a consult with one of our fertility partners to explore assisted reproductive technologies. We’re proud to partner with the leading fertility clinics in our region including South Jersey Fertility Center, Fertility Institute of New Jersey and New York, and Midwest Fertility Specialists.

In Your 40s

While typically natural conception becomes more challenging, the CDC reports that birth rates for women in their 40s has increased in recent years.

• The Odds: In your 40s, the chance of natural conception is less than 5-10% per cycle.
• The Big Picture: While the odds of natural conception are lower, many women in their early 40s who are treated for infertility will go on to have a healthy baby.

This is where Axia Women’s Health approach to integrated care really shines. We offer seamless access to affiliated fertility specialists for advanced technologies like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), as well as Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists for  extra monitoring that an “advanced maternal age” pregnancy typically requires.

Why Axia Women’s Health is the Right Choice at Any Age

We know that a pregnancy at 22 looks different than a pregnancy at 42. Our care model is designed to adapt to your specific needs, ensuring safety, compassion, and clinical excellence every step of the way.

A Commitment to Your Health And Safety

We are proud of our low C-section rates, which are significantly lower than national averages. We believe in your body’s ability to deliver, prioritizing medical intervention only when it is truly necessary for the safety of you and your baby.

Personalized Birthing Plans

At Axia, you aren’t just another patient on a schedule. We partner with you to create a personalized birthing plan. Whether you want a low-intervention birth with a certified nurse-midwife or you require the specialized care of an OB/GYN and MFM specialist, your voice is the most important one in the room.

Access to High-Level Expertise

Pregnancies later in life may carry higher risks for conditions like gestational diabetes or hypertension. Our patients have direct access to:

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM): For high-risk monitoring and advanced ultrasounds.
• Fertility Groups: For those needing assistance with conception through assisted reproductive technologies like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), donor egg, and more.

Affiliation With Top-Rated Hospitals

Our providers are affiliated with the most prestigious hospitals in the region, ensuring access to Level III NICUs and world-class facilities.

Your Birth, Your Way

Knowledge is power. Whether you are ready to start today or are planning for five years from now, understanding your body is the first step. At Axia Women’s Health, we are here to provide the supportive, compassionate, and expert care you deserve—no matter where you are on your timeline.

Ready to take the next step in your pregnancy journey? Schedule an appointment with an Axia provider today to discuss your options.