How Long Does It Take To Get Pregnant?

When you are trying to conceive, you should keep a fertility calendar. This will give you a time line in helping you to reach your goals and to know when to go for help. The number one question is "How long does it take to get pregnant?"

First thing you should do is chart your fertility signs as this will actually start your fertility calendar. Day one of bleeding is day one of that cycle or month.

How long it takes to become pregnant varies from woman to woman. There are many factors that can influence when conception will take place including age, health and weight.

I checked with the March of Dimes and they say that women in their twenties have the greatest chance of conception happening without treatments. Supposedly the older a woman gets the longer it might take. For example, a woman who is 35 years old may take twice as long as a woman in her twenties to get pregnant.

Statistically speaking here is a breakdown of the percentages of conception occurring in each active cycle:

• Age 25 - 20-25% (1 in 4 or 5 chance - could take 4 or 5 months to conceive if you and your partner are in excellent health.)
• Age 35 - 15% (1 in 7 chance - could take up to seven months)
• Age 40 - 5% (1 in 20 chance - could take a couple of years to conceive)

Don't let these statistics scare you. With the advances in medical technology today conception rates can increase with help. These are just statistics on a general population. I know of many women who conceive with no problems in their 40's.

Why is there a decline in pregnancy rates as we get older? It's primarily due to the aging process of the reproductive system. Hormone levels tend to fluctuate the older we get, as well as the quality of the eggs within the ovaries decline.

Keep your fertility calendar updated. Some women may experience unexplained infertility in their 20's to find they are very fertile in their 30's. Take all the information you read with moderation - just because you may be 45 doesn't mean you can't get pregnant and go on to have a healthy baby - just like being 20 doesn't guarantee you'll not. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Keep your fertility charts handy and record all your signs and symptoms.  Chances are before you know it you'll be holding your little bundle of joy! Keep your attitude positive and no matter what expect the best outcome!