In this week’s health talk, The Pioneer’s SHIKHA DUGGAL explores how getting pregnant in the early stages of your life goes and when is the right time to get pregnant.
Waiting to start a family is possible, but what happens is that it can make it a little harder to get pregnant — fertility naturally declines with age! Besides, having a baby later in life can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Again, we repeat, just because you are over 30 or 40 doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy baby. But in this week’s health talk, let’s explore prominently how getting pregnant in the early stages of your life goes.
Dr. Sneha Rajiv, obstetrics and gynaecologist at Manipal Hospitals, said, “The best age to give birth can vary depending on individual circumstances, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Both medical and social factors play a role in determining what might be the safest and most appropriate age for an individual to give birth. In terms of physical health, many medical professionals consider the early twenties a generally safe time for childbirth, as women in this age range tend to have lower rates of complications such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
Additionally, fertility is generally at its peak during this time, which can make it easier to conceive.” However, it’s important to consider other factors as well. Social and emotional readiness are crucial aspects of becoming a parent. People in their twenties are often still pursuing education, establishing careers, and exploring their personal lives. Parenthood can require a significant amount of time, energy, and resources, which might conflict with these other life goals!
The expert shared that delaying childbirth until the mid-thirties or beyond can also come with its own set of considerations. “While many people are able to have healthy pregnancies and births in their thirties and even early forties, the risk of certain complications, such as chromosomal abnormalities and high blood pressure, tends to increase with age. The 20s could be one of the best ages for getting pregnant because the quality of the eggs at that age will be ideal. That is the ideal reproductive age group. And hence, once the quality of the eggs is good, even the outcome of the pregnancy will be much better,” added the medical expert.
Pregnancy also tends to be less demanding on women in their twenties due to a decreased chance of encountering health issues such as hypertension. Additionally, the likelihood of experiencing gynaecological concerns like uterine fibroids, which often worsen with age, is also lower during this period. “The benefits of becoming a parent at a younger age include women being in good physical, mental, and emotional condition.
Lifestyle-related ailments typically emerge in one’s thirties, meaning that during one’s twenties, when health is at its prime, having children can be advantageous for both the parent and the children. This is because it allows for quality time to be spent together.
Younger mothers often encounter fewer pregnancy-related health complications. The shared life stages between parents and children offer opportunities for mutual growth, bonding, and shared experiences. Longer parent-child relationships can be nurtured, while the youthful energy and adaptability of young parents enable them to meet the demands of raising children effectively. While the benefits are evident, it’s essential to make decisions based on individual circumstances and aspirations, considering both the positives and potential challenges that come with parenting at a young age.
This decrease in fertility is mainly attributed to changes in egg quantity and quality, hormonal shifts, and reproductive system functioning. Once you are about 30, the quality of the eggs may come down, and you might go in for an anovulatory cycle. So when all this happens, there is a possibility of lifestyle disorders coming into play because of the stress that enters your life at that point in time. So all these reasons can reduce the chances of conception! It’s important to note that individual experiences can vary widely.
If a person is having difficulty conceiving and is concerned about their fertility, they should consult a healthcare professional or a fertility specialist for personalised guidance and options. Most of the crowd right now doesn’t want to have children so early because they want to be financially stable before they have a child.
They aim to attain a secure job, achieve specific career advancements, and reach certain milestones before considering parenthood. There aren’t any distinct disadvantages to having children at a young age, although the situation varies from person to person and is influenced by individual priorities. Depending on these priorities, potential drawbacks can emerge. For instance, a woman focused on her career might hesitate to start a family early as it could temporarily impact her professional advancement. Ultimately, this matter is subjective and highly dependent on personal circumstances,” the doctor said, referring to when the woman is most fertile.
Youthful parents often have more physical energy to meet the demands of parenting, from caring for a newborn to chasing after a toddler. For example, Dr. B. Maneka, senior obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kamineni Hospitals, suggested, “Another advantage is the potential for more extended quality time with children as they grow up when one starts a family early in life. Some individuals believe that early parenthood might offer greater flexibility in career planning, particularly if they are not yet well-established in their careers. For men, although the decline in fertility with age is less pronounced compared to women, it is still a factor to consider. As both partners age, there’s an increased risk of infertility and a longer time to achieve pregnancy.
Therefore, understanding these age-related fertility trends is vital when contemplating the optimal timing for parenthood, emphasising the importance of early family planning and seeking medical advice when necessary to address potential fertility concerns. Several reasons contribute to why some individuals opt not to have children early in life. Personal goals and aspirations vary widely; some may want to accomplish other life experiences, such as travel or personal growth, before embracing parenthood.These considerations reflect the diversity of perspectives and priorities in family planning, emphasising the importance of personal choice and timing in this significant life decision.”
While there are advantages to having a baby early in life, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks as well. Young parents might have limited life experience, which could impact their ability to navigate the challenges of parenthood effectively. Financial stress is another concern, as early parenthood often coincides with limited financial resources and the absence of a stable career. Social isolation may occur as friends remain focused on different pursuits, potentially leaving young parents feeling disconnected.
Additionally, early parenthood can strain relationships, demanding quick adaptation to new responsibilities. While the risks are generally lower for younger mothers, it’s important to remember that pregnancy and childbirth are never entirely risk-free, as certain health complications such as hypertension and anaemia can still arise in teenage pregnancies. It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to when is the best time to have children.The decision should be based on individual circumstances, personal preferences, and health considerations.
Dr. Sumitra Agarwal said, “Younger bodies might recover more quickly from the stresses of pregnancy and childbirth. Many people in their twenties may feel more energetic and better equipped to handle sleepless nights and the physical demands of caring for a baby.
Having children in one’s twenties often means that grandparents are younger, potentially providing a more robust support system and allowing multiple generations to know each other. Starting a family earlier can allow some parents to re-enter the workforce and focus on their careers in their thirties and forties. For those who want multiple children, starting earlier provides a longer window of fertility to achieve that goal.”
The probability of having a child with Down syndrome, for instance, increases with the mother’s age. And most pregnancies in women over 45 are the result of assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF, and often involve donor eggs! It’s worth noting that while female age is a primary determinant of fertility, male age also plays a role.
As men age, there can be a decline in sperm quality and quantity, which can impact fertility. “Additionally, older paternal age is associated with a higher risk of some rare birth defects and psychiatric conditions. Some individuals prefer to wait until they are in a stable and committed relationship before considering parenthood. They might believe that a strong partnership provides a better foundation for raising children. In many societies, there’s a trend towards delaying parenthood.
This could be due to increased access to education, changing gender roles, and shifting societal norms regarding the “right age” to start a family. It’s essential to recognise that the “right” time to have children is a deeply personal decision, and what works for one person or couple might not be suitable for another. Respecting individual choices and understanding the multitude of reasons behind them is crucial.
Raising a child can be expensive, and young parents might face financial challenges! Having a child early can potentially interrupt career progression, especially for individuals who are still pursuing education or are in the early stages of their professional journeys.
For some, re-entering the workforce after taking time off for child rearing can be challenging. If most of their peers are not yet having children, young parents might feel isolated from their social circle. They might find it harder to relate to friends who are at different life stages or feel left out of certain activities,” the doctor concluded.
