But after reading this article on MSN, I was reminded about a controversial topic that has become highly relevant in recent years, as more women are getting college educations and starting careers before settling down, getting married, and starting a family.
The article discussed a new study which found that a lot of women aren't aware of the risks of delaying motherhood. I have always found the science behind procreation fascinating. I love learning about the many ways that a child's health can be affected by the decisions his or her parents make from before conception through the gestational period and early infancy. So this is of some interest to me.
One finding of this study that was eye-opening to me was this:
"'Only 53 percent of women with fertility problems knew that the chances of conceiving via IVF decline between the ages of 30 and 40. What's more, 85 percent of them thought that fertility treatment can "overcome the effect of age.'
In reality, the researchers note, only 25 percent to 30 percent of women in their 20s and 30s give birth after IVF treatment. Among women older than 40, the success rate is closer to 10 percent."
While I never thought the availability of IVF should be a reason to put off having kids, I admit I did think it was more effective than that.
Other risks that women in the study didn't always know about: the risk of gestational diabetes increases with maternal age, as does the chance of twins, and the need for a cesarean section.
This isn't the first time I've heard that the outcomes aren't optimal for mother or child when pregnancy happens later in life (age 35+). Incidence of Down's syndrome increases with maternal age, as does the risk of placenta previa, miscarriage, pre-term delivery, and stillbirth. Another recent study found that babies born to young mothers lived longer than babies born to older mothers. The evidence seems to be stacked against delaying pregnancy much past age 30.
What the MSN article emphasizes is that women need to be informed of these risks. But I think I know why doctors may be reluctant to bring it up. I've noticed that a lot of women get really upset when people start talking about these risks. They take it personally. They undoubtedly are thinking "How dare you pressure me into having kids before I'm ready? How dare you tell me what to do with my body? I shouldn't be looked down upon for trying to better myself by going to school and having a career and being self-sufficient. This is the 21st century! Women shouldn't be forced into traditional wife and mother roles. We don't have to choose between a fulfilling career and raising a family! We can have both! If that means waiting until our late 30s or early 40s to have children, then so be it. You have no right to judge."
I certainly understand this sentiment. I myself am pursuing post-baccalaureate degrees and plan on doing meaningful work in my field of employment. I do believe women should do whatever it is they want to do with their lives and not feel constrained by traditional views of what a woman's role is. But I also believe that we need to be realistic. We may be able to reverse millenia of discrimination against women, but we can't change biology. Not yet, anyway. Now I'm not saying that if you don't get pregnant before age 35, you should just forget about ever having kids. But, if you are in a position where the decision is yours to start now or wait... I think that the scientific evidence and advice of the medical community should at least be seriously considered.
The article discussed a new study which found that a lot of women aren't aware of the risks of delaying motherhood. I have always found the science behind procreation fascinating. I love learning about the many ways that a child's health can be affected by the decisions his or her parents make from before conception through the gestational period and early infancy. So this is of some interest to me.
One finding of this study that was eye-opening to me was this:
"'Only 53 percent of women with fertility problems knew that the chances of conceiving via IVF decline between the ages of 30 and 40. What's more, 85 percent of them thought that fertility treatment can "overcome the effect of age.'
In reality, the researchers note, only 25 percent to 30 percent of women in their 20s and 30s give birth after IVF treatment. Among women older than 40, the success rate is closer to 10 percent."
While I never thought the availability of IVF should be a reason to put off having kids, I admit I did think it was more effective than that.
Other risks that women in the study didn't always know about: the risk of gestational diabetes increases with maternal age, as does the chance of twins, and the need for a cesarean section.
This isn't the first time I've heard that the outcomes aren't optimal for mother or child when pregnancy happens later in life (age 35+). Incidence of Down's syndrome increases with maternal age, as does the risk of placenta previa, miscarriage, pre-term delivery, and stillbirth. Another recent study found that babies born to young mothers lived longer than babies born to older mothers. The evidence seems to be stacked against delaying pregnancy much past age 30.
What the MSN article emphasizes is that women need to be informed of these risks. But I think I know why doctors may be reluctant to bring it up. I've noticed that a lot of women get really upset when people start talking about these risks. They take it personally. They undoubtedly are thinking "How dare you pressure me into having kids before I'm ready? How dare you tell me what to do with my body? I shouldn't be looked down upon for trying to better myself by going to school and having a career and being self-sufficient. This is the 21st century! Women shouldn't be forced into traditional wife and mother roles. We don't have to choose between a fulfilling career and raising a family! We can have both! If that means waiting until our late 30s or early 40s to have children, then so be it. You have no right to judge."
I certainly understand this sentiment. I myself am pursuing post-baccalaureate degrees and plan on doing meaningful work in my field of employment. I do believe women should do whatever it is they want to do with their lives and not feel constrained by traditional views of what a woman's role is. But I also believe that we need to be realistic. We may be able to reverse millenia of discrimination against women, but we can't change biology. Not yet, anyway. Now I'm not saying that if you don't get pregnant before age 35, you should just forget about ever having kids. But, if you are in a position where the decision is yours to start now or wait... I think that the scientific evidence and advice of the medical community should at least be seriously considered.
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