Tick, Tock, Is That My Biological Clock?
If you happen to hear someone saying “my biological clock is ticking” what exactly do they mean? Really, it is just a women desperate to have a baby before she runs out of time (biologically). This metaphor is used to show the sense of urgency and emotional hurry to have a baby, as the process of conception and child birth does have a biological time limit. Having a baby (or many babies) is life’s goal for many women, and this should be achieved before menopause sets in or ideally before biological risk factors increase.
A woman may feel their biological clock ticking in her late 20′s to mid 30′s, depending on the individual circumstances of her life. If they haven’t already then it is very important for any woman to conceive from her mid 20′s to late 30′s, because beyond this age, risk factors increase. It’s not only women who have their fertility affected by age, male fertility starts to wane after a certain age. According to doctors, Women can conceive easily and have a fertile window between the age of 19-39.
The number of biologically aged mothers is increasing rapidly, there are now many middle aged first time mothers in their mid 30′s who delayed motherhood for a long time. There are several reasons behind delayed motherhood, typically the tendency and drive to climb the corporate ladder or travel are big factors in delayed motherhood for many women. In general over the years women have become significantly more career driven, holding and owning significant jobs or businesses. Roles which are all encompassing of their lives, and don’t lend themselves kindly to motherhood. Unfortunately though, a women’s biological clock keeps ticking and ticking, it does not stop for anything regardless of how important one’s job is.
A woman whose biological clock is ticking, may experience anxiety and unknown pressure from within. If your biological clock is ticking, do not delay too long, where conceiving later in life can come with higher risk factors for both you and your baby, and conception may even become difficult or unlikely. However do not panic, consider several factors.
- Get to know your family medical history, the length of fertility depends on your family history to a great extent. Getting it checked, will help you know up to what age it is likely you can conceive.
- Do not believe in news you have heard about women having kids in their late 40′s or early 50′s. Although true, this is the exception not the rule, and it is possible this pregnancy may have involved using donor eggs which can be expensive.
- For women or couples having difficulty conceiving there is always IVF (again if you can afford it), this method of conception can help women of all ages including women in their late 30′s or early 40′s. However, one cannot be sure of conceiving with the procedure after the age of 45.
- Collect the facts, make an appointment to speak to your doctor about your fertility period (and how many ‘good’ years you have left). Your doctor can run some tests to give you some more specific information to help you make the right decision regarding the right time and if any urgency is required regrading acting on that ticking clock of yours.
NOTE: The information given here on “Help! My Biological Clock Is Ticking” is meant as a guide only and does not replace professional medical advice and information.
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