At what age is it better to give birth? Maximum age of childbearing for women: risks of late conception

The female body undergoes many metamorphoses throughout life. Let's talk about what age is best to give birth to your first child, what are the advantages and disadvantages of motherhood at different ages.

Childbirth at 18

The benefits of early pregnancy

This wonderful age can be described as an era of positive emotions and blossoming female body. Often at 13-14 years old a girl is fully formed; at 18 years old her functioning of her reproductive system can be called high-quality and complete. It has been noticed that the body of young mothers of this age group accepts pregnancy ideally, as there are no chronic diseases. If pregnancy occurs closer to the age of 20, then it is optimally combined with studying at a higher educational institution.

Features of early pregnancy

There are a number of important points, for example, that at least 80% of pregnancies in women aged 18-20 were not planned in advance, that is, they are accidental side effect from youthful sex in non-serious relationships. Many girls and boys at this age admit that they were not examined for infections before conception. In any case, it is better to maintain the pregnancy and happily accept the status of a mother, the main thing is to visit your doctor on time.

It should be noted that the hormonal system of young women is unstable. Against the background of a deficiency of progesterone, a hormone that supports proper gestation of the fetus, difficulties sometimes arise with the construction of the placenta. If you donate blood and other tests in a timely manner, then there is every chance to correct the situation.

Considering that at the age of 18, not all organs and systems of the female body may mature, as well as the fact that 10% of young mothers have a narrow pelvis, early pregnancy can be called risky. This opinion is supported by the high probability of hypoplasia, that is, the immaturity of the uterine muscles, which leads to spontaneous termination of pregnancy at any stage. To protect yourself from these disorders, you must listen to your doctors.

Can't ignore another one important point, namely the lack of psychological maturity at the age of 18 and the assessment of pregnancy as a stress factor. You can get out of such a situation easily and painlessly if you have close people who give invaluable support and warmth.

Childbirth at 25 years old

Pros of pregnancy at 25

If you are young and don’t know what age is best to give birth to your first child, then choose golden mean. Having become pregnant for the first time at the age of 25, you build your life according to an ideal scenario. In this average age period, optimally suitable for motherhood, the body is thoroughly tuned to all processes associated with bearing, giving birth and feeding a child. All systems of the female body work properly, so favorable conditions are created for the fetus. 25-year-old women do not have the problem of negative age-related changes that could interfere with the normal course of pregnancy and the birth process. In addition, the turning point age crisis has passed.

The first birth at this age is also good from a family point of view: both mom and dad already have a sense of responsibility, take their health seriously and correctly go through all the stages of planning a child. Young parents easily cope with all sorts of difficulties and have the support of their parents. Women at this interesting age are able to earn the necessary funds for life, are at the peak of their careers and can easily go on maternity leave.

Features of childbirth at 25 years old

It is necessary to take care of yourself, preventing the development of somatic pathologies that can occur in a latent form after pregnancy and childbirth. When carrying a fetus to internal organs a huge burden is placed on it, so the heart, kidneys, and liver often suffer. To reduce the risk of complications after the birth of a child, you need to undergo regular examinations and follow the recommendations of doctors.

Childbirth at 35 years old

Pros of motherhood at 35

According to experts, adult women have a heightened sense of responsibility, adhere to proper nutrition, control their body weight and muscles, do not neglect visiting a geneticist, and try to undergo a detailed examination before conception. This approach reduces the likelihood of pathology. It should be noted that women at 35 look as healthy and athletic as their 25-year-old friends. It was noticed that the body adult woman after childbirth she is renewed, her hormonal levels are stable, she looks much younger than her age. A mother over the age of 30 has an established career and can devote maximum time to her growing child, so it is quite possible to raise a smart and talented child.

Features of childbirth at 35 years old

Approaching the 40-year mark implies certain age-related changes, from which pregnancy can occur with complications. In particular, adult mothers have a predisposition to diabetes, placental pathologies, and hypertension. Late pregnancy often occurs with severe toxicosis and ends with surgery C-section. A woman will be able to become a healthy mother of a full-fledged child, going through physiological childbirth, if she adheres to the right lifestyle and pays a lot of attention to the prevention of various diseases.

Experts note that with late births there is a high risk of chromosomal abnormalities. It is also impossible not to notice that physical activity and stress are difficult to bear after 30 years. To alleviate the situation, you need to accustom yourself not only to work, but also to quality rest.

As practice shows, in many cases there is every chance of conception and childbirth after 40 years. To create the basis for happy motherhood in mature age, both parents need to undergo a full medical examination, treat any detected diseases, and, under the strict supervision of a doctor, carry and give birth to their first child.

Just recently, a century ago, girls who had not given birth by the age of 17-18 were perceived as sick or defective. However, in such a seemingly short period of time, a lot has changed. Now a woman is not only a wife and mother.

With new times come new opportunities, which also require strength, time and health. This is education, career, success. And both the level and life expectancy have increased.

All together this has led our society to new problem – the problem of choosing the optimal age to conceive a child.

And it would seem that modern medicine has come far ahead over the century, and contraception is more reliable than before, but still many girls, and to a greater extent their relatives, are afraid to put off their first pregnancy. And I want to become a mother soon!

But at the same time I still want to get an education, make a career, see the world and live for myself. And here again is the trap: having built a career, say, by the age of 25-26, it’s scary to stop to take a break in this eternal battle.

And women put it off again great moment…

Medical answer

Somehow arriving at a common denominator, doctors give us an approximate period of time for pregnancy with the most favorable outcome- this is twenty to twenty-five years.

The framework is not strict, and this time is considered the most successful for the first pregnancy. A woman’s body is full of health during this period, vitality and is fully prepared for future changes.

However more relaxed frameworks are also possible, into which the period from twenty to thirty-five years fits.

All doctors agree on one thing - after 35 a woman's body is already more “worn out”: he has accumulated many unpleasant sores, and such stress as pregnancy will be more difficult for him to bear.

In addition, according to research results, the risk of having a child with Down syndrome is much higher in a woman whose first pregnancy occurs after thirty-five.

In addition, it has been noticed that a woman who gives birth to a child late is more susceptible to such diseases as mammary cancer.

The likelihood of getting sick triples if your first birth occurs at thirty rather than at twenty.

That is why in countries where women mostly give birth early(China, Japan, Middle East, Central Asia) breast cancer statistics are very low.

One explanation for this fact is that during maturation in the womb, the fetus produces a special protein called alpha-fetoprotein. Some of this protein enters the mother's blood and protects her from the occurrence of malignant diseases.

Also middle-aged mothers should think about the health of their future children. Researchers from the University of Bristol in the UK noticed that children of older mothers are more likely to develop diabetes.

With each new five-year period that a woman lives between the moment she reaches physiological maturation and her first pregnancy, the likelihood of your baby developing this disease increases an average of twenty-five percent.

Armed with this knowledge, it can be calculated that the first child born to a forty-five-year-old woman is three times more likely to develop type A diabetes than the first child born to a twenty-year-old mother.

The same trend continues in the future, when a second or third child is born, but in this case, the woman’s age already has such a strong influence on the possibility of developing diabetes in babies.

Another argument in favor of earlier gestation is After a certain age, a woman’s maternal feelings become dull, and the desire to have a child is significantly reduced.

An established life, a ready-made career - all this is already familiar, and changing your lifestyle is much more difficult. It's sad, but it's a fact.

However, if a woman leads an active and healthy lifestyle, she is cheerful and regularly undergoes medical examinations, does not abuse alcohol and does not smoke - pregnancy after 35 can be quite successful without complications or while minimizing them.

Yes and having life experience will allow such a mother to raise a child while making much fewer mistakes than very young parents. In addition, having given birth consciously, when life has already settled down, a woman will fully feel the miracle of the birth of a baby and give him all the accumulated love and affection.

By the way, experts also provide us with data that suggests the wrong approach is too early (that is, before the age of 18).

It turns out that the younger the organism expectant mother, the higher the likelihood, as well as a variety of complications - from toxicosis to.

The youth of mothers also does not affect children in the best possible way : They are mostly born weak, with low body weight and weak immunity.

And to prevent this from happening, doctors urge the relatives of such young mothers to be gentler with them - scientifically established that eternal reproaches and family rejection of the teenagers’ situation greatly affects the health of mother and child and often leads to many complications.

While a calm attitude and support help young mothers bear a healthy and strong baby.

There is also another danger: over many years of observation, scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have found that women who give birth before the age of twenty are at risk. It turned out that they are twice as likely to develop uterine and lung cancer as other women, and three times more likely to develop various diseases of cardio-vascular system.

Certainly, You shouldn’t forget about the benefits of early pregnancy either., this means trust, understanding between parent and child, and a lot of time for another pregnancy, and being the youngest mother in kindergarten or school is also quite pleasant.

Another thing is that such young parents still have too little experience, as well as patience and gentleness. That is why the process of education can become a great challenge for both adults and their baby.

Social response

However, no matter what the research results are, and no matter how doctors expand the scope of the favorable age for conception, it is still the same there is also the so-called social or public opinion.

On the one side, relatives and friends from some point begin to pester and pester the woman with the same questions, boiling down to one topic - “well, when?” and “it’s about time!” Not very pleasant, you must agree.

In the same time, employers and bosses, on the contrary, are not too eager to see you with a rounded tummy - they don’t want to lose a valuable employee for a year or more.

And if for some reason you are just in the process of undergoing interviews and looking for a job, then here are questions like “Do you have children?” and “Are you planning to have them in the near future?” and completely inevitable. In general, they are pressing from all sides.

Response from Europe and the USA

And in such developed countries world like America and Great Britain It has long been the norm to become mothers closer to thirty or thirty-five.

Women up to this age build a career, acquire a house, a car, capital to provide for their children, and even capital for their children’s future education. In general, they approach things wisely. And often they then give birth without any complications.

The main thing, of course, is yourself and don't neglect your health, lead active image life. Of course, in European countries and the USA, the medical level, and simply the standard of living, differs from ours. But you can monitor your regime in Russia.

Summarizing all of the above, we come to the conclusion that ideal time for first pregnancy is the one you choose. It's up to you to decide at what age you can give birth.

Depending on your internal psychological and emotional readiness, on the readiness of your partner, on your financial condition and on your health.

And if suddenly you decide to postpone pregnancy for now, do not forget to keep yourself in shape.

Don't sit still, go in for sports, do exercises in the morning. Add variety to your diet by adding more vegetables and fruits, and, if possible, eliminate fatty and fried foods.

And also drink as little alcohol as possible and!

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 an excessive load on the fetus for a young age. cardiovascular system, 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 - there is no direct relationship between the age of the expectant mother and the course of pregnancy. 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. First career - then children

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!” - say the adherents of this idea... and they 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 cost - such stress, with which the life of a successful woman is inextricably linked, cannot but affect health, and this is precisely the 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!

Increasingly, you can see on the streets not only pregnant young girls, but also women over 35 years old. The opinions of doctors and psychologists regarding the most favorable age for procreation differ.

So, at what age is it best to have your first child? According to many gynecologists and obstetricians, for health reasons, it is best for women between 19 and 26 years old to give birth. After 18 years, a girl begins to turn into a full-fledged woman, and therefore it is precisely at this age that her body flourishes. The internal genital organs are fully formed, hormonal balance is maintained by the ovaries. Vaginal muscles quite elastic and flexible. The pelvic bones have good mobility, and this is very important for childbirth.

And thanks to the well-trained abdominal muscles, it is easier for a young woman to follow the gynecologist’s commands when pushing. A woman in labor in this age category does not have chronic diseases. Childbirth is easy, without vaginal ruptures and uterine bleeding. Restoring physical fitness in young women occurs much faster than in those over 30 years old. Most often there are no complications after childbirth.
According to research by Scandinavian scientists, the most suitable age for giving birth to your first child is 30 years old. Doctors advise not to delay your first pregnancy, since reproductive function fades every year, the likelihood of a successful conception decreases, and labor may begin ahead of schedule(from 23 to 37 weeks). For women who give birth for the first time after the age of 30, pregnancy may be complicated due to bad habits, excess weight and only then because of age. If we compare them with women giving birth under 30 years of age, the likelihood of complications in older women is 20% higher.

After 25 years, reproductive function declines. And therefore ideal age for childbirth - from 20 to 25 years. According to gynecologists, late pregnancy is dangerous for the health of the expectant mother and baby. Most often, children with genetic pathologies congenital diseases(for example, Down syndrome) are born to parents after the age of 30.

The opinion of sociologists and psychologists about the best age for childbirth

According to psychologists, the favorable age for childbirth is from 20 to 35 years. European women give birth for the first time at around 35 years of age. Late pregnancy is explained by the satisfaction of one’s own ambitions and the achievement of financial well-being. A woman first of all worries about her career and financial stability, and only after that she decides to have a child.

According to statistics, 76% of women who have higher education believe that the ideal age for their first child is from 26 to 34 years. The majority of respondents claim that it is necessary to achieve success in a career and secure a financial base before the age of 28, and at 29 you can give birth to your first child.

Early pregnancy

In some cases, the first pregnancy occurs between the ages of 13 and 16 years. We are talking about an unplanned pregnancy, because the expectant mother is not yet physically developed enough, and the father does not have material wealth to support the future family. Because of this, the girl’s nervous system suffers, and depression negatively affects the fragile young body. And therefore, doctors do not recommend giving birth at this age, because the genitals, and, in general, the girl’s body continues to develop.

As for the hormonal background, it is unstable; there may be a deficiency of progesterone and estrogen, which contribute to the formation of the placenta. According to doctors, early pregnancy is possible, but dangerous for the health of the expectant mother and child. There is a high risk of complicated labor, ruptures, and uterine bleeding. Psychologists categorically do not recommend giving birth to young girls, because they are not mentally prepared for everyday difficulties and motherhood.

According to gynecologists and psychologists, the best age for childbirth is between 23–30 years. Benefits of childbirth during this period:
movable pelvic bones;
elastic birth canal;
there are no age-related diseases;
the likelihood of miscarriage is lower than for late mothers;
minimal risk of developing abnormalities in the newborn.

If the first birth takes place during this period, then a woman can give birth to a second child before the age of 30. The first child will be about 3 years older than the second, during which time the woman in labor will have time to fully recover physically. In addition, the firstborn will grow up, and the woman will be able to devote more time to the newborn.

Pregnancy after 30 years

Several years ago, a woman aged 30 who decided to become a mother was classified in the group of “adult primiparas”. Nowadays, primigravidas at 35 years old are no longer uncommon. But, despite all the possibilities of modern medicine, giving birth for the first time at this age is quite dangerous. Even conceiving a child at this age is difficult. This is explained by an increase in the number of cycles in which there is no ovulation. In addition, the uterine susceptibility to a fertilized egg decreases. In some cases, doctors diagnose infertility. And therefore optimal age for childbirth - this is 20 - 26 years.
Various complications can occur both during pregnancy and during childbirth. There is a risk of placental insufficiency - this is a common complication in which the functions of the placenta are disrupted for various reasons. Pregnant women over 30 years of age may experience the following complications: premature separation of the placenta, insufficient labor activity, severe uterine hemorrhages, vaginal ruptures.

Possible complications of childbirth:

Aborted fetus;
gestosis ( late toxicosis);
post-term fetus;
premature effusion amniotic fluid;
oxygen starvation of the fetus.

The first pregnancy after 30 years threatens physical and mental pathologies in the embryo. In addition, after late childbirth, the risk of breast cancer and diabetes increases.
However, there are also advantages: after 30 years a woman eats right, leads a healthy lifestyle, and takes care of her health. She devotes more time to the baby, since most often she already has a good career and a good financial base.
At what age is it best to have a third child? Doctors say that it is better to plan your third baby at 27–30 years old. This is possible if a woman gave birth to her first child at 19–20 years old. Taking into account the mandatory intervals, the second baby will be born at about 23–24 years old, and the third – about 30 years old.

Pregnancy after 40 years

Despite doctors' prohibitions, some women decide to get pregnant even after 40 years. The probability of conception at this age is quite low; more than 50% of women are diagnosed with infertility. If the woman giving birth is 40–45 years old, then the probability of miscarriage increases 3 times. The following complications may occur during pregnancy: diabetes, premature separation of the placenta, exacerbation of chronic diseases.
A woman over 40 years of age who decides to become a mother should be thoroughly examined, as the likelihood of complications is high. Although every woman’s body reacts differently to a particular condition. On the positive side, women who give birth after 40 years of age experience menopause later, they are less at risk of cancer of the genital organs, and their life expectancy is longer. Therefore, the maximum age for childbirth is 40 years.
But successful conception and the health of the child depends not only on the age of the mother, but also the father. If the partner is over 40 years old, then the chances of successful conception are reduced. In addition, at this age, the quality of sperm deteriorates due to bad habits, poor environmental conditions, and taking dangerous medications. Older parents often give birth to children with pathologies, such as Down syndrome.

Average age of women giving birth in different countries

Birth statistics by age say that recently the age of first-time mothers has increased significantly. If in the 80s women gave birth to their first child at about 23 years old, now they experience the joy of first motherhood at 25–27 years old.

This trend is especially observed among European women. The average age of women giving birth in the world is 27 – 28 years. Moreover, residents of Bulgaria and Romania give birth earlier (25–26 years), and Italian and Spanish women give birth later (30–31 years).

The average age of women giving birth in Russia is 26–27 years. Although doctors remind that reproductive function begins to fade after 30 years.

Thus, the best age for pregnancy and childbirth is between 20–26 years. A woman’s body is formed, she is full of energy, easily endures childbirth and quickly recovers after it. In addition, if she wishes, a woman can become a mother of two more children.

IN modern world Girls have begun to pay more and more attention to career growth and are trying to start a family as the last thing. Therefore, the age of the first pregnancy has increased - it no longer occurs at 18 or 19 years old, like our great-grandmothers, but at 25, 27, or even.

Giving birth late to your first and subsequent children is no longer as dangerous as it was just a few decades ago. Medicine has advanced to a very high level, which means it is now possible to safely combine career and family. Many people ask: “Until what age can you have children?”. Before answering, let's look at the reasons for late birth.

Reasons why girls give birth late

The normal age for childbirth is an individual concept for each family. Some people think that 25 years is too early. You need to raise money, advance your career and travel. For others, 25 is already too late, since they usually look at the example of their mothers, who look still young. Now late birth can be defined as age from 32 years or more. There are several reasons for this.

Unpreparedness to be a mother. Age does not affect whether a girl is ready to be a mother or not. Some are already serious and self-sufficient at the age of 18, so they are ready for their first pregnancy. Others, even at 30, feel that they are not ready to babysit small children and be responsible for them. This reason is quite valid, because if a woman is not ready to be a mother, she will not be able to give her son or daughter what they need.

Medicine on high level . A woman no longer asks the question: “up to what age can she give birth?” Contraceptive methods have become accessible and safe, and modern doctors can easily prevent premature birth or miscarriage. Physically, a girl is ready to give birth at 18 years old, but psychologically she may not mature even at 26.

First, second or third birth - all this is of great importance. Therefore, to find out at what age you can give birth, you need to pay attention to what kind of pregnancy you have.

Firstborn. Until what age can you give birth to your first child? It is best to plan your first child before the age of 27. By this time, the female body is completely ready for conception, pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, the girl has already decided on her profession and can apply for maternity leave. There are also many other advantages.

1. Ovulatory cycles are very frequent, so there are many chances to get pregnant quickly.

1. The body is young and healthy. Therefore, pregnancy is carried easily, the load does not weaken the body. There are no many chronic diseases, no varicose veins or other problems.

1. The muscles are elastic, easily return to their previous shape and the body quickly recovers, the pelvic bones are mobile and the elasticity of the perineum is high. This makes contractions (opening) easier and breaks do not form.

1. Since the body is young, the immune system works at full capacity. Therefore, there are no infectious or fungal diseases.

1. If the first pregnancy is not late, the child has less risk of developing genetic diseases.

1. The fetus is more reliably protected by the placenta.

1. The female figure does not become flabby, because the muscles are strong and the skin is taut.

Second child. Doctors say that the second pregnancy is always easier. Mommy can feel this both physically and psychologically. She already knows what awaits her and knows how to prepare properly. Organism "remembers", what labor is, therefore it is quickly included in the process. Lactation also improves quickly.

Until what age can you give birth to a brother or sister? It is best to have a second child before the age of 35. The age difference (the interval between the first and second births) plays an equally important role. Ideally, from 3 to 10 years. If you give birth to a second child a year or two after the first, the body will not have time to recover. After 10 years, the fabrics will lose their elasticity. In addition, you should remember that your firstborn at the age of 5 will already be able to help you with care.

Third child and subsequent ones. The situation here is the same as with the second birth. It is best to give birth before age 35. The absence of bad habits is also of great importance, proper nutrition and sports. All this will help make late childbirth easier and preserve the woman’s reproductive function. The difference between the second and third births should not be more than 5 years and less than 3. If the third pregnancy occurs immediately, it will be difficult for the body to cope with the hormonal shock.

Pros and cons of late pregnancy

Are you already thinking about having a child, but don’t know whether you should decide now or is it better to wait? Then you need to know all about the pros and cons of late labor.

Pros of late birth

Late births have their own positive sides. A woman’s body tends to fade with age, but pregnancy can give a powerful rejuvenating boost to the body. Thanks to a hormonal surge, the quality of skin, hair, nails and all body systems improves. Even if you felt the approach of menopause, pregnancy will push it into the background and you will experience menopause later, but it will pass much easier.

If your body is healthy, then don’t be afraid to give birth. After all, getting pregnant for a woman is absolutely normal phenomenon, therefore nature itself is interested in bearing a baby. This will reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and strengthen bones and blood vessel walls.

There are also advantages from a psychological point of view. A woman in her 30s has already seen screaming babies, walked with her nephews and baptized a friend’s baby. Therefore, the child will not become stressful for her.

Disadvantages of late birth

Some people, and even celebrities, manage to give birth even after 40 years. Such cases are the exception to the rule and lead to great risks. However, it is better to decide on late childbirth before the age of 35. Remember that a woman’s body ages, which also affects her eggs. With every age, the risk of miscarriage increases. Therefore, the later, the more closely you need to monitor your pregnancy.

In addition, there is a possibility that problems with the placenta may arise - both presentation and abruption. In this case, a caesarean section is prescribed. With this operation, the woman’s body takes longer to recover. If a woman is over 40 years old, pregnancy can lead to freezing of the fetus in the womb, exacerbation of chronic diseases and various defects.

Risks of late birth

Risks for mom

You have to weigh everything "pros and cons" before agreeing to a late pregnancy.

1. Inability to get pregnant. Now you think it's too early. And then it will be very late. The set of eggs for each woman is individual and decreases every year, which means that late pregnancy and childbirth may not occur at all.

1. Labor may take longer than usual.

1. There is a possibility of development infectious diseases in a weakened body.

1. If the difference between the first and second births is more than 15 years, the body may completely forget what labor is like. Therefore, childbirth will resemble the first in severity and duration.

1. There may be a risk of increased blood pressure, especially if the woman has a history of headaches or migraines. Because of this, gestosis can occur. This is a complication of pregnancy or late toxicosis (edema and kidney damage).

1. During pregnancy, gestational diabetes can develop. In this case, the doctor prescribes a low-sugar diet and insulin injections.

1. High risk of bleeding.

1. Weak labor (protracted contractions during which stimulation is used).

Risks to the fetus

1. The risk of having a baby with Down syndrome increases 9 times compared to those who do not have late labor.

1. The baby may develop hypoxia after childbirth because late labor lasts longer than usual due to the low elasticity of the birth canal.

1. There is a high risk of having a premature baby.

1. Due to gestosis, fetal death may occur.

1. The likelihood of genetic disorders increases every year.

1. After 35 years of age, the risk of having twins (multiple pregnancy) increases.

The danger can be reduced

With age you have probably gathered whole bouquet ailments. These include gynecological diseases and cardiovascular disorders. If you decide to have a late pregnancy, you will have to become "correct" a woman and follow all the recommendations of the gynecologist. This includes ongoing visits. antenatal clinic and passing all prescribed tests. You should also definitely get tested by a geneticist. Do not perceive your doctor as an enemy; be prepared to take additional tests.

Husbands and wives should also plan their pregnancy in advance. This includes getting rid of bad habits, maintaining healthy image life, a comprehensive examination by doctors. You not only need to love sports, but also get enough sleep, take vitamin supplements, spend a lot of time on fresh air and also be less nervous.

Agree to perinatal diagnosis. This is especially necessary if you are over 32 years old. It will help to identify genetic disorders in a timely manner in an invasive or non-invasive way.

If the pregnancy is unplanned

Since a woman is able to derive pleasure from sexual intercourse even after the age of 40, she also remains at risk late pregnancy. If you are already an adult, you should think about contraception just as carefully as before. There have been cases when women became pregnant even at the age of 50 years.

If the pregnancy is planned

In adulthood, you will be able to take care of your child from the perspective of an adult and give him more than you could in your youth. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with a planned late pregnancy. In addition, late pregnancy can occur as a result of remarriages, when you look at the world more seriously.

If pregnancy does not occur for a long time

The chances of pregnancy after 30 years decrease every year, but do not think about infertility if you have already given birth. It is better to consult a gynecologist who will help determine the reasons for the lack of pregnancy. If late pregnancy does not occur, find out the causes of infertility and take all measures to eliminate them. If you have to agree to IVF, remember that you need to do it early.

Geography of late births

Does late pregnancy depend on the country of residence? Most often, women give birth late in the following countries: Spain, Canada, Norway, Switzerland and Germany. There, women do not look for the pros and cons of late pregnancy and often give birth after 30 years of age with their first child. Belarus, Russia, Bulgaria and Ukraine - here women try to give birth earlier and the average age is 26 years.

Celebrities who had a baby late

Many celebrities do not think up to what age they can give birth and therefore agree to have a child even when it seems surprising to society.

Ilze Liepa– this talented woman was not afraid of late pregnancy and gave birth to her daughter at 46 years old.

Olga Drozdova- the famous actress tried to conceive a child with her husband for 15 years, and a miracle happened - the couple had a child when Olga was 42 years old.

Olga Kabo– I wasn’t afraid to give birth at 44 years old.

Marina Mogilevskaya– After her work stabilized, she gave birth to a child at 41.

Kristina Orbakaite- gave birth to a third child, just like Mogilevskaya, at 41 years old.

Svetlana Permyakova– gave birth to a child at the age of 40, as soon as she found a worthy man.

Halle Berry– gave birth to a child at 47 years old.

Salma Hayek– gave birth to a charming baby at 40 years old.

Julianne Moore and Nicole Kidman– gave birth to their girls at the age of 41.

Gwen Stefani– gave birth to a son at 44 years old.

Also, late-birthing celebrities include Madonna, Mira Sorvino, Kelly Preston, Jennifer Conelly, Uma Thurman, Amanda Pitt, Courteney Cox and others.

Having studied all the pros and cons of late pregnancy, you can understand that you should have a baby as early as possible, and everything else will follow.