What is the best age to have a baby? Should you have children in your 20s while you are full of life or opt for the 30s, when stability is in sight? Or should you join the growing list of men and women who are leaving it for their 40s to first nurture their relationships and careers? Whether you’re trying to conceive during your 20s, 30s, or 40s, getting pregnant at any age has its ups and downs.
We weigh in the pros and cons of having babies in your 20s, 30s, and 40s:
Babies in your 20s
Although you are at your fertility peak and reproductive readiness, in your 20s, you may lack caution, reason, and wisdom. The benefits of having a baby in your 20s are that your body is a lot stronger, you are likely to have a clean bill of health, you have better quality eggs, and recovery after birth is generally quick. You are young at heart and still in touch with your playfulness, which can be a valuable parenting skill and make the task of raising your child a lot lighter. An added advantage is that when your babies are all grown up, you are mostly still in good health and have the energy to enjoy life with them. On the downside, you may not be financially stable, and the costs of raising a child may cut deep in your pocket as you try to find your feet. Money problems can lead to an array of insecurities and tensions and this certainly doesn’t make parenting any easier.
Babies in your 30s
Some women postpone having a family in their 20s and instead choose to have babies in their 30s. Some even choose to wait until the mid-30s before starting a family. Having a baby after 35 may increase the risk of your baby having health issues and could lead to a difficult pregnancy. Also, the older you are, the harder it is to conceive. Research suggests that about 78 percent of women in their late 30s conceive easily (particularly if they are under 37) but have a more challenging time falling pregnant after age 37. However, many couples are more financially stable in their 30s and mature enough to handle parenting challenges.
Babies in your 40s
Nowadays, it is frequently a conscious option to start a family close to or in your 40s, giving birth to a “late lammetjie”. Some women and their partners want to live their younger lives free from the demands of parenthood. The downside is that health generally declines as a person gets older and conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure in pregnancy worry more women after 40. Other circulatory problems like varicose veins and blood clots are also slightly more likely. Babies born to older mothers are often smaller due to such health problems and this can make their start in life more difficult. Screening tests are compulsory, especially for Down Syndrome. As a woman becomes older, the quality of the eggs deteriorates and this might trigger more miscarriages. The good news is that with good prenatal care, potential health issues can be minimised.
