People have children at various stages of their life, and this means at different ages. So, is there something like ‘the perfect age to have a baby’? The fact is there are advantages and disadvantages to having children at every age. Also, factors like the financial situation, the society you live in, and the career prospects of both parents also play a role in picking the right time to start a family. Gaining in-depth information about all these factors will help you decide which the best age for you to get pregnant is.
The answer to this question will vary depending on the individual who is asked the question. The definition of “best” will also differ according to individual circumstances. But, overall, a majority of surveys and studies indicate that the ideal age to get pregnant is between 20 and 35. However, the best period to have a baby is different from what is considered the best age to bring up a child, and that is the mid-30s.
The reason why 20- 35 is considered the preferred age for childbirth, is because women in this age group are physically better prepared for pregnancy. They find it easier to conceive and are less vulnerable to pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy, and stillbirth amongst others. This is also the period when the eggs are the healthiest. Being a fertile period, it is the perfect window for those wanting multiple children, since they have enough time to space the pregnancies adequately.
While for some, 20-25 years might seem the perfect time to have a baby, others cannot possibly think of having a child before the age of 30. Here are the pros and cons of pregnancy at different ages.
This is the age when women are at their peak fertility and have the best chance of pregnancy. At this point in life, you will have the highest number of high-quality eggs available, and the chances of a low-risk pregnancy and a healthy baby are highest during this period.
Age 26 to 29 is considered a good time for pregnancy especially for those women who have a healthy lifestyle with adequate nutrition and fitness. Around this time, you will be physically and mentally prepared for the rigours of pregnancy.
Fertility levels keep dipping, and getting pregnant might become more and more difficult as you move towards age 40.
The number of women aged 40 and above giving birth has significantly increased from what it was a couple of decades ago. However, the chances of getting pregnant, drop to 5 percent every month after 40.
Being in good health before getting pregnant is more important than your age at the time of the pregnancy. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper prenatal care can help you have a smooth pregnancy and healthy baby, irrespective of how old you are.
The fertility of men is also an important factor when a couple is trying to get pregnant. A man’s fertility declines by up to seven percent each year between the ages of 41 and 45. The drop just speeds up after that. The risk of miscarriage increases if the father’s age is over 45, irrespective of the age of the mother. Children born to older men are also more vulnerable to autism, mental health issues, and learning difficulties.
It is not improbable that an older man can father a child. But realistically, fertility declines with age in men just as it does in women making natural conception much more difficult.
The reasons for getting pregnant or having your child during a particular phase of time in your life may be varied. But what is more important is to be happy with whatever choice you’ve made and to take in your stride the joys as well as the challenges of raising children.
Disclaimer: This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional