Using Quantified-Self Data To Enhance Fertility And Pregnancy

Infertility, a condition that affects approximately seven million people in the US, or about one in 10 couples, is a thriving market, due in large part to an increase in the age of first-time mothers. Between 1970 and 2006, the average age of first-time mothers increased from 21.4 years to 25 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the National Center for Health Statistics. In this same period, the proportion of first births to women age 35 and older increased nearly eight times: one of 12 first births were to women age 35 and older in 2006, compared with one of 100 in 1970. Just between 1990 and 2008, births to women age 35 and older grew 64%, including all major race and ethnic groups, according to the CDC. A similar trend is seen among developed nations throughout the world.

Postponing motherhood is associated with an increased difficulty in getting pregnant and having a successful, uncomplicated pregnancy. Peak fertility occurs between the age of 20 and 30 and then drops fast: a 20% drop after age 30, 50% after 35, and 95% after 40, according to data from the Mayo Clinic. Infertility, the problem of not being able to get pregnant after trying for a year or more, is on the rise as more women wait until they are older to have their first child