In 2022, first-time mothers averaged 27 years of age, up from 21 in 1970, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
With more women waiting until later in life to get pregnant, there is an increased need for resources for staying fertile and overcoming fertility challenges in women’s 30s and 40s. Grace Emily Stark, editor-in-chief of Natural Womanhood and a fertility instructor, says there are three things all women can start doing today to increase their chances of getting pregnant in the future.
First, and arguably most important, according to Stark, is tracking one’s cycle—and not just on a mobile app. Because the health of a woman’s menstrual cycle is an indicator of her overall physical health, Stark contends women can’t afford to be ignorant about their cycle and what is—and is not—normal.
Next, what we eat and drink can play a direct role in the body’s ability to maintain a healthy cycle and in turn, get pregnant. There’s no reason any women should be drinking soda or using tobacco products, according to Stark. A low-sugar and low-carb diet with lots of healthy fats, protein, and fiber is the best way to ensure your body is prepared for pregnancy.
Finally, Stark recommends consistent low-intensity exercise for maintaining a healthy cycle and getting pregnant. High-intensity exercise, like CrossFit, can place excessive stress on a woman’s body, which in turn affects her hormones and her cycle, she explains.
Today, the moment a woman can’t conceive, much of modern medicine advocates for in vitro fertilization, but as Stark explains on “Problematic Women,” it’s important to first understand why your body is struggling to conceive and to know the wide range of natural tools and resources available to increase fertility.
Catch the full conversation with Stark on “Problematic Women” above.
