Lucknow: Infertility and pregnancy-related complications cases are on the rise because an increasing number of couples now delay parenthood or marriages due to career priorities or other reasons, said doctors.“Conception is generally easier before age 30. Earlier, we would see two or three cases of infertility or difficulty in conceiving by women in a day. Now, around 10-15 visit daily with such issues. Among them 30-40% are those who are above 35 years of age,” said Prof Seema Mehrotra of King George’s Medical University (KGMU).Medical experts say that planning a pregnancy after age 35 is challenging because fertility tends to lower as both the number and quality of eggs in women decrease with age.There is also a higher risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and preterm birth. Additionally, the chance of genetic conditions such as Down syndrome in baby increases with advancing maternal age.“Delaying pregnancy often increases the need for assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), a process in which eggs are fertilised by sperm outside the body in a laboratory and then transferred to the uterus. Women over 35 are advised to seek medical consultation if they do not conceive after trying for six months,” said Dr Varada Arora, an IVF expert.Doctors also said that in most such cases women suffer more if they go for pregnancy because they are the ones who have to take a break from job for raising kids.“This problem could be easily resolved if couples share responsibility. Husband and wife can take breaks by rotation to raise children. So, both partners can balance professional and personal commitments,” said Prof Seema.Prof Vandana Solanki of KGMU highlighted that the ideal age for pregnancy is between 21 and 35.“In the absence of pregnancy and breastfeeding, the incidence rate of complexities in uterus, endometrial cancer that develops in the lining of the uterus, usually after menopause, and breast cancer increases,” she said.She added that delaying childbirth or remaining childless may also increase the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder in reproductive-aged womenDr Arora said that for women who plan to delay childbirth, options are limited. “Egg freezing is currently the only established method to preserve fertility. It allows eggs to be collected and stored at a younger age for later use through IVF,” she explained.However, she added, these treatments are expensive. Egg freezing in India costs around Rs 1 lakh initially, with additional storage charges of about Rs 10,000 every six months. IVF procedures also involve significant financial and emotional investment, she said.
