We all know that there are often many disadvantages in older mothers, such as an increase in the abortion rate, and the baby is more likely to be deficient in calcium. But we have to admit that the number of women who are born tonight is increasing, which is not unrelated to the acceleration of ideological concepts and the pace of life. However, a study has found that women who give birth at an advanced age also have some advantages, and their life expectancy seems to have been extended. This time, Xiaobian wants to discuss with you, what are the benefits of women who give birth at an advanced age?
Why the "ideal" age of pregnancy is before the age of 35
Usually, women are advised to have children before the age of 35, all of which is related to women's health and fertility success rates. In adulthood, women ovulate every month during the ovulation period. However, as we age, the quality and quantity of eggs released decreases. So this affects the chances of conceiving. Survey data shows that women aged 20 to 25 have a 25 to 30 percent chance of getting pregnant each month. At the age of 30, this probability will begin to decrease, and at the age of 35, it will decrease further. By the age of 40, there is only a 5% chance of conceiving successfully at any stage of ovulation.
There is a current trend towards delaying fertility
According to a data from the United States, the number of women giving birth in the United States at the age of 35 and over increased dramatically from the 1970s onwards. Since 2000, the average age of childbearing has also begun to increase. And this trend is not only happening in the United States, but also in other countries that are normally developing. This may have a lot to do with women's increased educational attainment and the pursuit of careers.
The relationship between fertility and longevity
A 2020 study of American women showed that a woman's longevity is related to her age when she gives birth to her last child. The researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1232 women in the United States, examining maternal age and telomere length surveyed between 1999 and 2002. It was found that higher maternal age was associated with longer telomere length. That is, older mothers live longer.
Other benefits of the third trimester
In addition to longer lifespans, the researchers also found that older births have an advantage in that they tend to have more joy and happiness. A study from the UK dug deeper into the cognitive abilities of older mothers and children. They looked at data from three UK birth cohort studies of 17,416 children in 1958, 16,571 children in 1970 and 19,244 children in 2000. In addition, they investigated the birth order of the children, as well as the mother's educational level, among other things. Ultimately, they found that the 2001 cohort showed a positive correlation between maternal age and children's cognitive abilities, with children aged 35-39 mothers showing the best results.
They believe that this is because in modern society, most elderly mothers have children on the premise of better careers and economic conditions, and they also have a good education. For this reason, after giving birth to a child, they are often able to create better conditions for the child. That's why these kids show better results in terms of cognitive abilities.
Of course, while similar studies have been conducted, the scientists have not suggested that it is best for people to have children after the age of 35. After all, the drawbacks of advanced childbearing are also very obvious, and in some cases, they may also hurt the pregnant women themselves.