Quite a few scientific research centers suggest a vast increase in first time mothers aged 35 and older over the past 20 years. As pregnancies by women aged 20 to 24 continue to decrease, the number of mothers in their late 30s and 40s continues to grow at a steady rate.
Anyway, here are a few interesting things scientific studies have determined of being advantages of having children later in life.
First things first , what are the main reasons for such a change in norm?
The main reason for this could be seen as a change in societal norms in recent years. Nowadays, women increasingly delay marriage and the process of settling for family life, focusing more on having better education, a career and a stable source of income. We count everything we plan just like using a pregnancy due date calculator. Everything must be planned and specific. We want to be sure
There’s also an increased notion of flexibility when it comes to having children. Technologies such as egg freezing, embryos and surrogates makes it possible to wait until the time is right to become a mother.
This allows more freedom of choice of when to have children for women.
Main advantages of having children later in life according to scientific research
Later motherhood equals longevity?
Some recent medical studies show that becoming a mother later on may bring major health benefits.
The journal “Menopause” examined a group of older mothers and determined that life expectancy for women who have their first baby aged 33 and older drastically increases the chances of living until the age of 95.
In fact, such chances are twice as large than for women who have babies before their 30th birthday.
The famous “American Journal for Public Health” also had similar findings in a separate study. Their in-depth research-surveying of 20,000 women for 21 years determined that having a baby at least at age 25 can significantly increase life expectancy well into the 90s.
Cognitive functions may last longer
Another study conducted by the University of Southern California suggests a possible connection between later pregnancy and a lesser cognitive decline and stronger brainwork after menopause.
The study examined 830 women, aged 41-92 and their pregnancy history. A strong connection was determined between late pregnancy (aged 35 or more) and later life cognitive abilities. The same study also attributed a regular use of contraceptive hormones as also a positive factor in determining long-term brain function.
This is very interesting to consider. Since hormones and brainpower are affected to such an extent, could eventually this be another reason for women to have children later on?
Many positive outcomes for children
Lastly, other studies have found that later pregnancies can make it easier not only for moms themselves, but their offspring as well.
Since older parents have more experience they are more likely to have a stable job and a stable source of income. As a result, more time can be spent will children.
Not only income, but overall parental involvement affects the development of children as well. The “Journal of Family Psychology” determined that more determined parents who spend time reading, playing with and providing emotional support to their children positively affected child development and eventual achievement later in life.
Overall
A lot of scientific data suggests that later motherhood can be advantageous for both the mother and the child. More research is needed to be done in order to have more conclusive results, but it’s safe to say that having children later in life is a rational choice.
