Many events in life happen regardless of our desires and capabilities. However, for such a serious step as replenishing the family, some families want to prepare in advance. Therefore, modern women and men prefer to independently plan the birth of their first child, rather than rely on chance. When is the best time to give birth, and what do doctors say about this?
Not a single person can name the exact number that is the ideal age for the birth of a baby. After all, each woman has individual health characteristics, her own family history and level of material security. Moreover, in different families different moral values.
And if for some only the health of the baby is important, then other parents consider it their duty to give their child a good education, provide proper care and leisure, which often requires considerable financial investment.
The range of reproductive ages for women is quite wide. Physiologically, a child can be born from the age of 12-14 until about 50. Each period has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, which we will look at below.
Is it worth giving birth before age 20?
Although conception is physically possible immediately after a girl gets her period, which usually happens at 12-13 years old, the young body in this period is not yet formed, hormonal changes are actively underway, growth and development will continue, so having children at this age is extremely undesirable. It not only harms the mother's body, but can also lead to underdevelopment of the fetus.
But doctors already allow children to give birth at 18-20 years old. Moreover, this age is considered the most optimal for childbirth from the point of view of the mother’s health. The cardiovascular, endocrine and musculoskeletal systems are already fully formed, functioning without failures, and chronic diseases, as a rule, are absent. Pregnancy proceeds easily, without complications, and is well tolerated. Since the elasticity of muscles and ligaments is very high, childbirth proceeds without ruptures, pathologies usually do not occur, and the baby is born healthy and strong.
However, it is unlikely that parents of this age category have a child as a result of joint planning.
- At this age, young people are usually in training or just starting to build a career.
- The financial situation of the family is, as a rule, quite unstable.
- In addition, neither a mother nor a young man of 20 is usually mentally ready to devote himself to caring for the baby at the expense of communicating with friends, playing sports, studying or other interests.
For this reason, conflicts and misunderstandings may arise in the family. Children in such families are less well-groomed and get sick more often. Therefore, if there is no strong support from older relatives who can take on some of the responsibilities, sometimes psychologically the baby can become a burden for the parents.
Age 20-30 years: combination of health and psychological readiness
Doctors believe that from the point of view of female physiology, the female reproductive system works most harmoniously during the period of 20-25 years. There are still no chronic diseases during this period, and even if acquired, they do not have a significant impact on the development of the child and the course of pregnancy and childbirth. If you wish, you can very easily refuse bad habits, because strong addiction hasn't worked out yet.
Some certainty in social status appears. As a rule, studies have already been completed, and some have even managed to establish themselves as excellent employees, whom the company management will be looking forward to returning from maternity leave.
After young people have established themselves in terms of family and career, they are already mentally prepared for the birth of a child and treat this event very responsibly and consciously.
- Men have enough strength and energy to ensure the well-being of the family during the day, and enjoy communication with their wife and baby in the evening.
- And mothers try to arrange the family’s life as best as possible, take care of the baby’s health, collect all the necessary information and advice on caring for the baby on the Internet, and responsibly follow doctors’ recommendations.
Previously, pregnant women who were expecting their first child after 25 years of age were called “late-birthers” and were placed under special registration with a gynecologist.
Today's development of medicine has made this age the most optimal for the birth of a baby from the point of view of a woman's physiology and psychological readiness for motherhood. Therefore, if your man is ready to become a father, do not put off this joyful moment for later.
What risks does age 30-40 pose?
After 30 years, a number of hormonal changes occur in the female body. The amount of estrogen produced decreases, which reduces the likelihood of fertilization of the egg. In addition, disruptions in the functioning of the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems are becoming increasingly apparent due to proper nutrition and lifestyle, the kidneys and liver, and the musculoskeletal system are often affected.
Existing chronic diseases significantly complicate health. All this greatly affects a woman’s ability to bear and safely give birth to a healthy baby. According to statistics, the number of premature birth.
This age cannot be called the best for planning a child:
- Due to decreased elasticity of muscles and tendons, the likelihood of injury and rupture during childbirth increases.
- Impact harmful factors, such as tobacco, alcohol or unfavorable environmental conditions, increases the risk of genetic abnormalities in the fetus.
- Moreover, the danger remains even if it is not the expectant mother who smokes, but her man.
However, it is considered ideal from a psychological point of view. By this time, the grinding of characters between men and women ends, and families establish trusting relationship. Both partners approach the issue of family planning very carefully and thoughtfully. Understanding the possible risks, women take their own health very seriously. And special programs and obstetric techniques used by modern medicine, combined with supervision by a qualified specialist, will reduce the risk of any complications to a minimum.
Parents of such age period They strive to provide their baby with the best and give him as much attention as possible. Previously, it was believed that children born to 30-40-year-old parents grow up smarter, quick-witted and comprehensively developed.
However, recent studies have shown that the reason for this is not children at all. It’s just that a man and a woman no longer strive to run away from the baby to the gym or fishing, but on the contrary, they communicate a lot with the child, play educational games, send them to sections and clubs, travel a lot, which has a positive effect on the child’s intelligence.
Is it possible to give birth after 40 years?
After 40 years of age, the risk of having a child with a genetic or physiological pathology. However, many healthy children are born to mothers at this age. If life has developed in such a way that the opportunity to have a child has appeared quite late, then you should not miss the opportunity to increase your family.
Of course, the entire stage of pregnancy planning, bearing a baby and childbirth should take place under the close supervision of a good doctor. This will allow you to minimize possible risks and give birth to a healthy baby.
The psychological aspect of late motherhood is not even worth talking about. Often such kids become a “light in the window” for their parents. A man is especially sensitive to a late-born child. The birth of a baby brings new notes to family relationships.
And yet, after analyzing a huge number family stories, scientists were able to name optimal age for the birth of a child. They believe that in the period of 20-30 years the greatest probability of having a healthy baby to whom parents can pay enough attention. Therefore, all men and women are recommended to plan offspring at this stage of life.
Pregnancy and childbirth are one of the important periods in the life of every woman. When considering a thoughtful approach to childbearing, the question arises, what is the most best age for pregnancy. It is not so easy to give a definite answer, since every woman’s body is individual. Many obstetricians and psychologists are still arguing about the best age to give birth to a child, and the opinion of each of them has a right to exist.
The best age for pregnancy of the first child is the age of 21-26 years in physiological terms. However, this does not mean at all that at the age of 30 the expectant mother will necessarily have any problems. Medical practice shows that with age, the risk of various complications increases.
There are situations when pregnancy occurs at the age of 13-16 years and, most often, this happens unplanned. The young mother is still a child herself, and the father does not have the necessary material goods to support the family.
All this negatively affects the state of the mother’s nervous system, and stress can negatively affect developing fetus. On the medical side, the girl’s body is still developing, and the reproductive system is not yet fully formed. Young girls do not yet have stable hormonal levels and hormones such as progesterone and estrogen may be produced in insufficient quantities. This may cause deviations in the formation of the placenta.
Doctors say that pregnancy is early age, although possible, is still undesirable. In addition, at 13-16 years of age there is a high risk of bleeding and various complications during labor.
Childbirth after 35 years is increasingly common among modern women. Despite the fact that medicine is doing impossible things today, pregnancy at this age is still considered a serious risk. Problems can appear both during pregnancy and during childbirth. There is a high risk of developing complications such as lack of contractions, placental abruption, ruptures of the soft birth canal and bleeding.
Often, women’s desire to have a child is so strong that they are not even stopped by age after 35 and older. In most patients, after 40-45 years of age, infertility is detected, and the risk of miscarriage increases several times. During pregnancy, it is possible to develop diseases such as placental abruption, gestational diabetes and exacerbation of chronic diseases.
In fact, age after 40-45 years is considered dangerous period for pregnancy, therefore, if you want to become parents, you must undergo a thorough medical examination. Each woman’s body is individual, so it is quite difficult to predict how pregnancy will proceed. At the same time, doctors note that when the first child is born after 40-45 years, menopause occurs much later and the risk of malignant tumors of the genital organs is reduced.
Experts say that, theoretically, a woman can give birth provided that she has menstruation and there are no contraindications. At the same time, do not forget about common sense.
Gynecologists agree that the optimal age for the birth of a child is considered to be 18-26 years old. The fact is that it is during this period that the female reproductive system and the entire body are in their prime. By this age, the process of formation of the organs of the genitourinary system has already been completed and the ovaries are working at full capacity. This allows you to maintain normal level hormones in the body, which is considered one of the important conditions for a successful pregnancy. By the age of 18-26, the muscles of the vagina and pelvic area are already well extensible and elastic.
It must be remembered that at this age the pelvic bones are quite mobile, which significantly facilitates the process of labor as the head passes through the pelvis.
The condition of the abdominal muscles also plays an important role, and at the age of 18-26 they are sufficiently trained, which helps to quickly push out the fetus during pushing. In addition, at this age, a woman still does not have chronic pathologies that can affect the course of pregnancy and childbirth.
From the age of 25, the aging process begins in a woman’s body. This moment can be delayed with the help of proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle and a rational alternation of sleep and rest. However, there is no escape from nature, and already at the age of 30, many patients experience a lack of progesterone in the body.
Accordingly, testosterone levels begin to increase, which can interfere with normal pregnancy. All this leads to the conclusion that the most suitable age for having a child is considered to be 18-26 years old, and 18-35 years old is considered relatively safe.
Psychologists: the best age
Psychologists have their own point of view about the best age to give birth to a child, and it is opposite to the statements of obstetricians and gynecologists. Some of them say that it is best to give birth to a child between the ages of 20-35, but most European women do it after 35 years. Late pregnancy they view it as satisfying their ambitions after achieving the desired financial well-being.
Some psychologists say that the best age for pregnancy is after 35 years. By this point, a woman already has a wealth of life experience, has built her career and is prepared for motherhood. In addition, psychologists say that it is by this time that maternal feelings fully awaken in the patient’s soul.
Many gynecologists refute this opinion and testify that many mature women said that they did not feel anything for their child.
The psychological unpreparedness of future parents for the birth of a child is associated with physiological age only indirectly, and to a greater extent determined by social experience. Today there are many tests that can be used to determine psychological readiness to become parents.
Psychologists say that it is best to have a child at an age when you can feed him, buy everything he needs and take care of him. Future parents will begin to feel much more confident if, by the time their first child is born, they have an education, a profession, and their experience will be in demand by society.
There are many persistent misconceptions about the optimal time for conception, which, unfortunately, are often the focus of couples thinking about replenishing their family. We will talk about the most common of them.
Myth No. 1. You need to give birth before age 25
This myth about when is the best time to give birth almost sounds like a slogan. Despite the complete lack of scientific basis, it remains very common. The history of the appearance of this myth goes back to the middle of the last century, when in Soviet obstetrics women giving birth to their first child after 30 years (and not after 25, as the authors of the myth claim!) were called “old-born.” The term sounds, frankly, unflattering: what woman, and what’s more, an expectant mother, would want to be called old! In the time of our grandmothers, people got married and gave birth to their first child much earlier than now - on average from 20 to 25 years. Against this background, women giving birth to their first child after 30 years of age involuntarily stood out from the general row of patients and attracted closer attention from doctors. In Soviet obstetrics, it was indeed believed that one should give birth before the age of 25, because at this age in most cases less chronic diseases, and the hormonal background, on which the course of pregnancy and childbirth largely depends, is in the most favorable state.
However, it is obvious that there is no magic in the number “25”: no violations or dramatic changes in the sexual sphere of a woman at this age does not occur. It is perfectly possible to carry a normal pregnancy and safely give birth to a baby at 25 or 30 years old, and even much later - for this it is important to take care of your health, lead a correct lifestyle and follow the recommendations of doctors. Today, doctors are forced to explain to their patients, who are worried that they “didn’t have time” to give birth before the age of 25, that after this age no fundamental changes have occurred in their body, they are still young, healthy and capable of giving birth to healthy children. So don’t try at all costs to give birth before the age of 25 - there are much more important criteria that should be taken into account when planning a pregnancy!
Myth No. 2. The earlier you give birth, the better.
This misconception is more radical: the authors of the myth are convinced that one should give birth in one’s youth, since a very young and healthy mother certainly cannot have problems with pregnancy and childbirth. So at what age should you give birth? In fact, this is not at all true: it is fraught with no less, and sometimes even more, dangers than “age”. There are many reasons for this: this is the unsettled hormonal background of a young girl, and the nervous system, which is not mature enough to regulate such complex processes as gestation and birth of a fetus, and too active metabolism, and the unfinished formation of the body as a whole. The first menstruation appears on average from 12 to 15 years, but this transformation of a girl into a girl does not mean that she is ready for motherhood. In fact, at this age the girl is still a child, a teenager, whose body is gradually undergoing changes associated with growing up. As you know, change is the least favorable time for testing, and pregnancy at puberty, unfortunately, is no exception to this rule.
According to statistics, during pregnancy occurring at the age of 16–17 years, greatest number complications. The main percentage is due to the threat of termination of pregnancy; this is due to insufficient production of progesterone at a young age, the main hormone necessary for pregnancy. At a young age, pregnancy much more often ends in premature (before 37 weeks) birth. This is due to the pathologically high tone of the uterus due to the immaturity of the nervous system and hormonal levels young-bearing Other organs and systems of a mother who is too young are more difficult to bear the load associated with pregnancy: early pregnancies are more often complicated by gestosis and hepatosis - toxicosis with impaired renal and liver function. In early pregnancy it was recorded greatest number fetal hypotrophy. This term refers to the insufficient weight of a newborn (less than 2500 g) due to impaired placental blood flow during pregnancy. The reason for the insufficient blood supply to the fetus is again associated with the excessive load on the cardiovascular system for a young age, and a significant role in this is played by the large metabolic costs for the continued growth of the mother’s own body. So you shouldn’t rush too much into planning your pregnancy – everything should be done in a timely manner!
Myth No. 3. After 30 years, pregnancy always occurs with complications.
This common belief is actually also a misconception - between ages expectant mother and the course of pregnancy there is no direct relationship. It cannot be denied that with age, the risk of developing infertility, genetic disorders during conception, and the formation of chronic diseases in the mother increases. All these factors can negatively affect the course of pregnancy and fetal development. However, it is necessary to clearly understand that “age-related” pathologies of pregnancy are not associated with the passport age itself, but only with the health status of the expectant mother.
At what age is it better to give birth? Currently, in megacities there is a significant increase in the age of first-time mothers: average age of a woman giving birth to her first child has shifted to 28–33 years. This is due to changes in the social way of life, which cannot but affect the biological age of a woman’s growing up. Modern young girls study longer, later than their mothers and grandmothers, they begin an independent life, build a career and get married. Reducing physical activity against the backdrop of increasing living comfort has brought unexpected results in physiology modern woman: along with an increase in life expectancy to XXI century The age at which a first child is born has also changed significantly. At the same time, the percentage of complications during pregnancy has not increased compared to statistics 20–30 years ago, when the first birth more often occurred at the age of 20–25 years. To date, the results of clinical and statistical studies in the field of demography have shown: the successful course and outcome of pregnancy depend on the health and lifestyle of future parents, the level of medical care and the environment. Passport age in this matter is in the very last place.
Myth No. 4. Career first, children later
Today, many girls, passionate about building their own careers, are in no hurry to change the status of a successful businesswoman to the status of a future mother, believing that this issue can be pushed into the background. The most common justification for this position is a look at Western Europe and America, where the victory of careerism over motherhood took place back in the 70s of the last century. “Look, in the West everyone gives birth after 40 years, and nothing!” - claim the adherents of this idea... and are very mistaken.
If we talk about the possibility of childbirth in principle, then, of course, with the modern level of development of reproductive medicine, this is feasible at 40, 45, and sometimes even 50 years old. But if you look into the details, for example, assess the ability of an elderly body to withstand the stress associated with pregnancy and childbirth, a decrease in metabolic rate, and the decline of hormonal levels, the picture will no longer seem so rosy. Especially if you think about the moral and physical costs that many years of painstakingly building a successful career sometimes costs - such stress, with which the life of a successful woman is inextricably linked, cannot but affect health, and this is precisely this factor that is so important for the possibility of successful motherhood. So don’t put off important questions about having children for too long, so that they don’t become the most difficult!
Myth No. 5. The main thing in family planning is material well-being
Many people believe that the most important thing in the matter of pregnancy planning is material well-being: separate apartment, good salary and so on. Of course, growing a family is inextricably linked with rising costs, so, at first glance, the position “first wealth, then child” may seem quite logical and justified. Future parents will have to invest in setting up a nursery, buying a dowry for the baby: clothes, furniture, strollers, etc. Concerned about the health of the unborn child, many men and women think about additional expenses for medical care - concluding a contract for pregnancy, childbirth and monitoring for a newborn, and this also requires significant financial investments. There are also such far-sighted parents who, even before the birth of the child, plan the costs of his education in groups early development, school and even university.
You can go even further in this matter: for example, plan a pregnancy only after you have saved up money for additional education, a prestigious internship, a first car, an apartment, a child’s wedding... The only problem is that most potential mothers and fathers will have to spend long years, strength, and most importantly – health. But the health of future parents is the main and most important “dowry” for a child, a guarantee of a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. And, as you know, health cannot be bought for any amount of money!
Myth No. 6. After 40 years, it’s too late to give birth
The most common explanation for this idea is that pregnancy and childbirth place a significant burden on a woman’s body, and after 40 years of age, the risk of developing serious diseases already increases. That is, giving birth after 40 years is dangerous for the expectant mother herself. Another reason for such a categorical statement is the increase (primarily of Down syndrome - the presence of an additional 21st chromosome in the fetus) in “aged” pregnant women. This explanation is based on fear for the child's health. Finally, there is another, “complex” fear regarding planning a pregnancy after 40 years of age – an increased risk of developing complications during pregnancy and childbirth. It is difficult to argue with all of the above arguments - they are all justified to one degree or another. Indeed, with age, the risks of all kinds of complications associated with additional stress on a woman’s body increase.
However, this does not mean at all that pregnancy after 40 years will certainly be complicated, the woman’s well-being will certainly worsen, and the child will not be able to be born healthy. Reminding a woman of her age and advising her not to put off motherhood “for later,” doctors point to optimal time to plan a pregnancy, but this does not mean that after the optimal period, the issue of childbearing must be closed. Medicine knows hundreds and thousands of cases of a favorable course, successful delivery and the birth of healthy children from parents whose age significantly exceeded the fatal mark of “40”. Of course, when planning a pregnancy at the “Balzac age”, you need to be thoroughly examined and soberly assess your health - as, in fact, at any other age. It is wrong to say that it is too late to give birth after 40 years - we are talking about an increase in risks, but not about the imminent threat of developing pathology in both the expectant mother and the fetus.
Myth 7. You need to get pregnant according to the lunar calendar
A very common “pseudo-scientific” version of pregnancy planning. The reasons for the “seasonal” approach to this important issue are explained in various ways: from the availability fresh vegetables and fruits, air temperature and number of sunny days to the influence of zodiac signs and lunar calendar. Some authors focus on the importance of the season (or month, or decade) of conception, others emphasize the importance of choosing the “right” time for the birth of a child. It seems quite difficult to reasonably prove (or dispute) the influence of the horoscope and the lunar calendar on pregnancy planning, but as for the direct influence of “seasonality” on the course of pregnancy and fetal development from a health point of view... Of course, sun rays, warm air and fresh vitamins from natural vegetables and fruits. But pregnancy lasts 9 months, or three seasons, - therefore, regardless of the season of conception, there is enough sun and vitamins for everyone!
In the last century, a 25-year-old young lady was awarded the epithet “old-born.” Nowadays, most women think about procreation well beyond 30-35, when certain career heights have been achieved and life has been established. And it never occurs to anyone to blame them for being “late.” Together with Yulia Kikina, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Swiss Center for Modern Medicine and Cosmetology SwissMed, we will try to figure out what it really is like - ideal age for childbirth.
Age: from 16 to 20
Arguments for
Physically, the girl is ready to become a mother at 15-18. Approaching 20 years of age, she is entering her prime: now her health is in better condition, her organs and organ systems are not yet worn out, and her hormonal system rarely malfunctions. You can give birth with confidence!
Yes, and psychologists give the go-ahead: all young mothers want the same things as their peers: to work, study and relax. It is unlikely that it will work to hang the baby on a still young grandmother. As a result, the young mother learns to cope with everything alone and stimulates the child’s independence as much as possible: he grows up active, lively and very sociable.
And one more fact: those who really want a boy should give birth before the age of 20. It has been scientifically proven that such mothers give birth to 120 boys per 100 girls - a significant advantage!
Arguments against
Although the reproductive system matures by the age of 18-20, the psychology of many 18-20 year old girls remains childish. They extremely rarely comply with strict standards of caring for the child, and as a result, he often gets sick and gets injured - both physical and mental. Yesterday's girl is far from the level of responsibility of a mature woman. Also because pregnancy at this age is often unplanned.
Age: from 20 to 30
Arguments for
By the age of 25, changes occur in a woman’s body of cardio-vascular system, the walls of blood vessels become thinner, the consequences of possible stress and bad habits accumulate (smoking and alcohol wear out the body especially quickly). But despite all this, the age from 20 to 30 is optimal for having a child, since a woman’s reproductive system is in its prime during this period. In short, if you have the opportunity to conceive, you need to put aside your fears and do it.
Arguments against
In former times, it was believed that the likelihood of complications during the birth of the first child becomes higher if the mother is over 25. But today the term “older first-time mother” already refers to the category of women over 35. Western medicine assures that a woman can give birth normally even after 35. So there's no need to rush. On the contrary, European doctors say, a woman after 35 treats pregnancy and childbirth more responsibly, she attends special courses, reads the necessary literature, takes care of healthy life, and all this has the most favorable effect on the health of the unborn baby. So turning 30 is not at all a reason to frantically try to get pregnant. There's still time.
Age: 30 to 40
Arguments for
One of the main advantages of having a child in adulthood is that a woman approaches the issue as thoughtfully and responsibly as possible. Expectant mothers prepare both physically and mentally and strictly follow the doctor’s instructions. Moreover, from a psychological point of view, a modern 30-year-old woman is in optimal readiness for childbirth. She, as a rule, provided herself with a material base and social status, I'm sure of tomorrow, and her joy in connection with the birth of the baby is not overshadowed by everyday hardships.
Arguments against
After 30 years, the level of the most important hormone estrogen in the body decreases. This means that ovulation occurs less and less often and the ability to conceive becomes less and less. But that is not all. Estrogen is responsible not only for fertility (the ability to bear children), but also for a woman’s overall health. In particular, it regulates the condition of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and liver. A decrease in estrogen levels also provokes the likelihood of gestosis - a complex complication in which swelling occurs, pressure drops, and protein is found in the urine. Severe gestosis can cause premature birth or even fetal death. In addition, we should not forget that after 30 the elasticity of tissues changes. This means that the birth canal is likely to rupture during childbirth. And to prevent this from happening, obstetricians perform auxiliary operations to help the baby overcome the “difficulties” of the birth canal. Do I need to explain that all these obstetric procedures are far from harmless for both mother and baby.
Age over 40
Arguments for
After 40 years, the opportunity to give birth to a healthy baby remains. But the risk of congenital pathology increases tenfold. In short, a mother who is over 40 needs the close attention of a doctor and must follow all his recommendations. Under these conditions, age will be a minimal obstacle to happy motherhood.
If we are not talking about the first birth, then the risk of pathologies occurring is minimal: the body “remembers” how to carry out labor, and childbirth goes faster.
Mom has also become more experienced - in every sense. For example, she knows for sure that a child is new life and for her too, because it has already been scientifically proven that the birth of a baby rejuvenates the female body. Indeed, according to some scientists, the aging of the body is directly related to the decline of reproductive function. The logical conclusion is simple: the later a woman gives birth, the longer her reproductive system works and the longer she remains young.
Arguments against
After 40, the number of healthy eggs in the female body decreases, and ovarian function fades. Low estrogen levels lead to severe complications in expectant mothers - kidney and heart diseases. Getting pregnant is becoming increasingly difficult.
Psychologists are also sounding the alarm: a 40-year-old woman is exhausted and is plunging headlong into motherhood. Literally dissolving into the child, constantly caring for him, the mother risks raising an infantile, unadapted creature. However, it is not so difficult for a child to refuse maternal care, like mothers, stop caring for your beloved child. The only hope is in a woman’s wisdom, which will help her manage the care of her child and raise him in harmony.
The optimal age for the birth of a child is of great importance when. According to experts, if you do not take into account the age factor, the risks of a complicated pregnancy and the birth of a baby suffering from congenital pathologies increase significantly.
What does the age of parents matter at conception?
Physiologically, a girl can conceive a child already at the appearance of her first menstruation. However physiological changes They are not yet talking about a woman’s readiness for motherhood. A female body that has not reached puberty and is not fully formed may simply not be able to cope with the excessive stress that accompanies the process of bearing and giving birth to a child.
Important! Gynecologists say that the optimal childbearing age for women begins at 17–18 years old!
Early pregnancy is fraught with the development of the following complications:
- Development of renal pathologies.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
- Complicated childbirth.
- Necessity for carrying out (if there is insufficient divergence of the pelvic bones).
- Premature birth.
- Born underweight.
A father who is too young (under 18 years of age) also significantly increases the risk of having a child suffering from genetic diseases, which is due to the insufficient development of the male reproductive system.
Optimal childbearing age for women
The optimal age for giving birth to a child for the fair sex is 18-35 years. It is during this period that the female body is in excellent shape - it is already fully formed and maximally ready to perform its reproductive function.
After 35 years of age, the risk of pathologies increases significantly intrauterine development fetus and the birth of a child suffering from genetic diseases. In addition, pregnancy and the birth process itself is a strong one for the female body, placing a significant burden on the kidneys, cardiovascular system and other vital organs.
And if in at a young age Since the body copes with additional stress using internal resources, women approaching 40 years of age have a significantly increased likelihood of developing a number of diseases.
Late pregnancy is fraught with the development of the following complications:
- (develops due to calcium deficiency).
- Pelvic organ prolapse.
- The appearance of tumor neoplasms, both benign and malignant.
Pregnancy itself in women over 35 years of age is extremely difficult, with high and premature births. The birth process may be complicated by the need for surgical interventions. And the postpartum recovery period for women in adulthood lasts much longer and is more difficult than for younger women giving birth.
note: The recommended childbearing age for the fair sex is 18-35 years old! With later conception, it is extremely important that the pregnancy proceeds under the strict supervision of a qualified specialist!
The achievements of modern medicine allow even women who have reached the age of 45-50 to bear and give birth to a baby. However, gynecologists do not welcome such late births.
Very often, after the birth of the baby, the health of a late-parous mother deteriorates significantly. This is due to vitamin deficiency, acute deficiency of nutrients and microelements, because a mature body recovers much longer and more difficult than at a young age. There is a high probability of developing bone and dental pathologies, as well as exacerbation of chronic diseases.
In addition, it is important to consider psychological aspect. A child not only needs to be born, he also needs to be raised, managed to get on his feet, given a basic education, etc. Such a load may simply be unbearable for older parents.
Optimal childbearing age for men
Among the stronger sex, the ability to conceive a child begins to decline after reaching the age of forty. In addition, there are risks of conceiving a baby suffering from hereditary and genetic diseases.
note: If a man plans to conceive a child after 45–50 years, he needs to consult a specialist and undergo a comprehensive medical examination!
Potential fathers can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy, full-fledged baby in adulthood by following these recommendations:
Important: The optimal age for having a child for men is 18-45 years!
Why do you need to know how to protect yourself?
Abortion at any age is extremely dangerous and is fraught with the development of serious complications. However, artificial interruption pregnancy and during the period close to menopause almost never passes without consequences.
Abortion at an early age can cause the following complications:
- Increased risks.
- Hormonal cycle disorders.
- Inflammatory processes.
Important! The most dangerous consequence early abortion is considered a hormonal imbalance and development!
Artificial termination of pregnancy in adulthood (especially during menopause) is fraught with the following adverse consequences:
- Uterine bleeding.
- Gynecological diseases of an infectious nature.
- The appearance of malignant tumors.
Therefore, in order to protect yourself as much as possible and reduce possible risks to minimum indicators, gynecologists advise women of young and mature age pay special attention to contraception issues!
Methods of modern contraception
Prevent attack unwanted pregnancy possible using the following methods:
Each of the above methods of preventing unwanted pregnancy has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Important ! Only a gynecologist can choose the right method of contraception, taking into account the age category and individual characteristics each specific patient!
Barrier method of contraception
The barrier method of contraception is one of the most popular. Condoms not only prevent the onset of unwanted pregnancy, but also protect against a number of sexually transmitted diseases. The effectiveness of barrier contraception, according to statistics, is more than 95%!
In addition, there are practically no contraindications to the use of condoms (the only exceptions are manifestations allergic reactions, which are observed extremely rarely), they can be safely used by both very young girls and mature women. The only drawback of barrier contraception is that condoms can reduce sensitivity, and therefore pleasure. intimacy. However, this problem can be solved by purchasing thin latex products or using special lubricants.
Oral contraceptives
Involves the use of hormonal contraceptives. This method is quite effective, but it is only suitable for women over 20 years of age.
Gynecological specialists identify the following contraindications for use: hormonal drugs contraception:
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, occurring in severe form.
- Infectious endocarditis.
note: Oral contraceptives should only be prescribed by a qualified specialist on an individual basis, after a preliminary, comprehensive medical examination!
The oral method of contraception also has a number of certain disadvantages. Birth control pills will not protect you from... In addition, this method will be effective if the tablets are taken regularly, according to the regimen prescribed by the gynecologist.
Important! Drink birth control pills it is necessary at the same hours, strictly observing the time intervals between taking the drug. This is necessary to maintain the optimal concentration of active ingredients!
Intrauterine devices
Installation intrauterine device characterized by high levels of reliability and efficiency. This method allows a woman not to think about the occurrence of an unwanted pregnancy for 3–5 years. However, this method of contraception is only suitable for mature women who have already given birth!
- Gynecological inflammatory diseases occurring in a chronic form.
- Uterine bleeding.
- The presence of tumors of malignant origin.
- Uterine pathologies.
note: When using an intrauterine device as a means of contraception, a woman must regularly visit a gynecologist, as there is a high probability of developing gynecological diseases of an infectious nature!
Methods of local contraception
Local contraceptive methods include the use of vaginal caps, ointments, and suppositories that have contraceptive properties. The principle of operation of these drugs is the ability of the substances included in their composition to have a destructive effect on sperm. This method protects against both unwanted pregnancy and infectious diseases sexually transmitted diseases.
Such spermicides should be administered directly into the vaginal area, before intimate contact, which can cause some discomfort. In addition, regular use of local contraceptives can lead to the development of allergic reactions and disruption of the vaginal microflora.
