Women today are waiting longer to conceive babies for different reasons. In addition, this late pregnancy has always been described as dangerous and risky but finally things are not more complicated than we can think. Indeed, if the mother is in good health, giving life to a baby at the age of 35 and over can contribute to its well-being according to an article in the European sociology journal.
According to figures from the National Institute of Demographic Studies, the average age at maternity was 30 years and a half in 2017. It is certainly normal to worry about pregnancy at an advanced age because the risks of complications are present. Nevertheless, be aware that having a baby after the thirties can also have benefits for women.
Why today's women expect to be 30 or 40 years old to found a family?
There is no single answer to this question, because there are many reasons why motherhood is happening nowadays at a later stage of life. Women, especially in industrialized countries, take their time to build a career, buy a house, find a soul mate and then obtain a stable financial situation. All of these goals that have become values in some women can delay the idea of a baby's conception!
In the United States, data from the national vital statistics system indicate that the number of new births among women aged 40 to 44 has more than doubled between 1990 and 2012.
Even the media keeps bringing this idea to women by democratizing late pregnancies. Carrie Underwood announced a pregnancy at age 35, Halle Berry had her first child at 41 and her second at 47, and recently Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, who became pregnant at the age of 37.
Science intervenes
In the New England Centennial Study, scientists sought to understand the different factors that come into play in the longevity of individuals. They studied genetics, lifestyle, motherhood and many other parameters. For example, they found that women who gave birth after the age of 40 were four times more likely to be 100 years old. Another research article titled Feeling Old Vs. Being Old has shown that having a baby in old age can help a woman enjoy a happier and more carefree life.
The experts are not stopped there because they have proven that caring for a baby to learn and grow improves the mother's memory, mental reasoning and problem-solving skills. Pregnancy also invades the body of a battery of hormones that stimulate the brain and make it more alert according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Prevention for a late pregnancy!
Getting pregnant after age 35 can lead to complications, including premature birth, birth defects, and multiple pregnancy. It is also wise to perform tests in early pregnancy to prevent the risks mentioned above!
Keep in mind that in order to benefit from the positive effects of late pregnancy, it is important to discuss with your doctor your condition and the conditions that could hinder the smooth progress of the pregnancy. So, if you are nearing 35 or 40 and have not yet started a family, know that it is still possible to fulfill your dream and become a mother!
