Pregnancy After 35 Years

Over the past 15 years, the number of first births for women aged 30 to 39 has more than doubled. During the same period, the number of women over 40 years of age giving birth for the first time increased by 50%. Ten years ago, a woman’s biological clock began to ring alarmingly when she was 30. Today, the first bell rings somewhere around 35 years old or even after forty.

As a result, the bar limiting the age of women in labor has been raised so much? One of the reasons is greater security. Prenatal testing has reduced the risk of women in their forties giving birth to children with genetic abnormalities to the level of those in their twenties. New methods have emerged to treat infertility, which is more common in women over 35 years of age. New advances in medicine in the field of helping an expectant mother suffering from a chronic disease or in the event of a severe pregnancy have allowed women to give birth to normal, healthy children. Relatively safe forms of contraception and popular figures such as Hollywood role model Kim Bessinger, who gave birth for the first time after age forty, have also helped spread the view that it is never too late. Now many women believe that they can, without harm to themselves, postpone having a child until a certain time, which for many means until they receive an education, achieve success in their professional activities, strengthen their financial situation and find a suitable life partner.

In fact, many women do not choose to give birth to children late. Late pregnancy may be a consequence of infertility, late marriage or remarriage.

What is the best age to give birth?

Although it is considered medically best to give birth between the ages of 20 and 24, many women feel that at this age they are not emotionally ready for it. For some women whose childhood was in the 50s and 60s, this age was more of a protracted transition than the beginning of adulthood. This shift means that women reach emotional maturity 10 years after peak physical maturity. But in reality, an elderly primigravida is not like that. In recent years, the number of first-time births among women between the ages of 30 and 39 has more than doubled. During the same period, there has been a 50% increase in the number of women over 40 giving birth for the first time. A decade ago, a woman's biological clock would start ticking anxiously when she turned 30. Today, the first alarm bell rings around 35 or even after forty.

What caused the increase in the age at which women are having children? One reason is increased safety. Prenatal research has reduced the risk of genetic abnormalities in children born to women in their forties to the level of risk for twenty-year-olds. New methods of treating infertility, which is more common in women over 35, have emerged. Advances in medical care for expectant mothers with chronic conditions or complicated pregnancies have allowed women to have normal, healthy babies. The availability of relatively safe forms of contraception and the influence of popular figures like Hollywood actress Kim Basinger, who became a role model by giving birth for the first time after the age of forty, have also contributed to the idea that it's never too late. Many women now believe they can postpone having children until a certain point in their lives without harming themselves. For many, this means waiting until they have completed their education, achieved success in their careers, secured their financial position, and found the right life partner.

In reality, many women have children later in life not by choice. Late pregnancy can be the result of infertility, late marriage, or second marriages.

At what age is it best to have children?

While the medical recommendation is to have children between the ages of 20 and 24, many women feel emotionally unprepared at that age. For some women who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s, this age was more of an extended transitional period than the beginning of adulthood. This shift means that women reach emotional maturity about 10 years after the peak of physical maturity. However, in reality, a mature first-time mother in her forties is not the same as one in her twenties. The experience and wisdom gained over the years can be valuable assets in raising a child.

There are certain risks associated with pregnancy after the age of 35. Fertility declines with age, and there is an increased risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and chromosomal abnormalities in the baby, such as Down syndrome. However, with proper prenatal care and medical advancements, many women in their late thirties and forties can have successful pregnancies and healthy babies.

It's important for women who are considering pregnancy later in life to consult with their healthcare providers. They can assess the individual risks and offer guidance on how to optimize health before and during pregnancy.

In conclusion, while the trend of women having children later in life has increased in recent years, there are both benefits and risks associated with late pregnancy. Each woman's situation is unique, and it's important to make informed decisions based on individual circumstances and medical advice.