By: Annie Morgan
As childless women hit their 30s, there seems to be an unfounded fear of never being able to have a baby.
Whether it’s a single woman who is not yet married, or a couple struggling with infertility, the word on the street is women have babies in their 20s, not 30s.
But the truth is, women are having perfectly healthy babies later in life.
In fact, experts reveal the trend for women choosing to get pregnant later in life is on the rise.
Parents reported:
“According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the fastest growing group of women having children are in their 40s. In fact, maternal age has been increasing across the spectrum of ages for years.”
So what’s the deal with women having babies later in life?
Here’s what you need to know.
It Can Happen
Women are having babies in their mid-30s, and even into their 40s!
And despite the myth that all babies born later in life will have birth defects – this simply isn’t true.
35-year old women are perfectly capable of giving birth to a healthy baby.
A woman should consult with her doctor to access her overall health and help prepare should she want to have a baby later in life.
It can be done, but often there are challenges and it can be more difficult to get pregnant.
The Chances Are Less
Of course, biology is still true.
As a woman’s body ages, she produces fewer eggs.
So as a woman hits mid-30s and beyond it does become more difficult for her to get pregnant, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.
Many women at this age opt for fertility treatments to help aid in their pregnancy.
And interestingly enough, women who receive this treatment are finding out their chance of having twins or triplets also increases!
There Are Difficulties
However, there are some challenges that come with having children later in life.
Both the mother and the baby are at risk of more pregnancy complications.
USA Today reported:
“Pregnant women past the age of 35 have an increased risk of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (high blood pressure) and intrauterine growth restriction (causing premature delivery). They are also more likely to have a C-section, because older uteruses often do not contract as well as needed for vaginal delivery.”
Other experts report having a baby later in life increases the child’s chance of having autism or another kind of mental defect.
This doesn’t happen all the time, but women who choose to have babies later in life should be aware, the risks do increase.
Personal Choice
If a woman decides to have a baby later in life, this is a personal choice.
Some women don’t want the health risks and are choosing other alternatives like adoption.
Others are perfectly at peace with having a baby at 35, or even 45 should their body allow them.
Were you surprised to learn women are having babies later in life?
What are your thoughts on women having a baby past 35?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with your friends and family to let them know the truth – yes, a woman can have a baby after age 35!
