Get pregnant by getting a job!
You could increase your chances to get pregnant by... getting a job! A US study matched 140 million female birth records with unemployment rates and found that the negative effects of unemployment on fertility increase over time.
Scientists have been researching the relationship between fertility and unemployment for more than a century.
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Most studies find that fertility falls with unemployment in the short run but it is not known whether these negative effects persist because women simply may postpone childbearing to better economic times. The study suggests that women are more likely to get pregnant when they have a stable job.
Using more than 140 million US birth records for the period 1975–2010, the new study analyses both the short and long-run effects of unemployment on fertility.
“We find that women in their early 20s are most affected by high unemployment rates in the short run and that the negative effects on fertility grow over time,” the researchers say. “A one percentage point increase in the average unemployment rate experienced between the ages of 20 and 24 reduces the short-run fertility of women in this age range by six conceptions per 1,000 women.” The study by Janet Currie at Princeton University and colleagues is published in the journal PNAS.🌱 Support Your Fertility Journey
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How does unemployment specifically affect fertility in women in their 20s?
Research shows that women in their early 20s are particularly vulnerable to high unemployment rates, with each one percentage point increase in unemployment reducing short-run fertility by six conceptions per 1,000 women in that age group. The negative effects on fertility appear to grow over time rather than simply postponing childbearing, suggesting unemployment may have lasting impacts beyond temporary economic hardship. This data comes from analysis of over 140 million US birth records spanning 1975-2010.
Can job loss or unemployment cause permanent fertility problems?
While the research shows that unemployment reduces fertility rates, job loss itself doesn't typically cause permanent fertility damage. However, the study suggests the negative effects may persist longer than previously thought, possibly due to prolonged stress, reduced healthcare access, or delayed family planning decisions during unemployment. If you're experiencing fertility concerns related to job loss, consulting with an ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) member fertility specialist can help determine if underlying medical factors are present.
Does health insurance through employment affect fertility outcomes?
Yes, employment-based health insurance can significantly impact fertility care access and outcomes in the US, as many fertility treatments and medications require insurance coverage or out-of-pocket payment. Unemployment may limit access to preventive gynecological care, ovulation tracking, and fertility treatments that could improve conception chances. If you're uninsured or between jobs, some fertility clinics offer payment plans, and some states have fertility insurance mandates that may apply.
What age groups are most affected by the unemployment-fertility connection?
Women in their early 20s show the most significant short-term fertility decline in response to high unemployment rates, though the research suggests negative effects can accumulate over time across different age groups. The study analyzed data for women through their prime reproductive years, indicating that prolonged unemployment during peak fertility years (20s-30s) may have compounding effects on family planning decisions. For women concerned about fertility timing and employment stability, consulting a fertility specialist can help create a personalized conception plan.
How long does it typically take for fertility to recover after returning to work?
The research shows that negative fertility effects from unemployment can persist over time, but specific recovery timelines weren't detailed in the study findings. The study suggests women may postpone conception during unemployment and resume attem
Are there supplements or lifestyle changes that can support fertility during economic stress?
Managing stress through exercise, adequate sleep, and nutrition can support reproductive health during economic challenges. Some research supports the use of inositol-based supplements and prenatal vitamins to support ovulation and hormone balance, though results vary by individual. If you're experiencing fertility concerns alongside financial stress, discussing both lifestyle modifications and evidence-based supplement options with your healthcare provider or fertility specialist can help create a comprehensive conception strategy.
Should I delay trying to conceive if I'm currently unemployed?
While the research suggests employment stability may improve fertility outcomes, delaying conception should be a personal decision based on your specific circumstances, age, and reproductive goals. If you're in your late 20s or 30s, prolonging the attempt to conceive may reduce your fertile window, so weighing economic factors against age-related fertility decline is important. A fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist can help you assess whether your individual situation warrants waiting or beginning conception attempts now.
