Is there a time that can generally be said to be the best possible time to have offspring? There is talk of a certain age limit, which is particularly important for women. But it’s definitely not that simple. Of course, other variables come into play, such as physical readiness for pregnancy, and within that, the mental and emotional side of things. Then there is also financial readiness.

So, there is no one right answer that is universal for every person in the world. However, there are of course certain risks that need to be kept in mind when determining the most appropriate age for conceiving an offspring. According to the biodevelopmental view, the body is ready for offspring shortly after puberty. However, if we also think about the social aspect, it is preferable to postpone pregnancy a little.

Curves of health problems

Doctors in America studied a sample of women aged between 25 and 95. The interleaved curves show high rates of health problems among women who first gave birth in their teens or very soon after. However, the problems decreased the longer the first birth was delayed. This does not mean that it can be postponed until the age of 40. Problems declined until about age 34. Then they rise steeply again, especially after 40. The optimum age is therefore roughly between 25 and 34. At least in terms of future health problems.

However, many variables do play a role. The risk of adverse birth outcomes is dramatically affected by the health of the mother at the time of conception. According to Schoenaker and his associates, continuing tobacco use during pregnancy and, conversely, not taking folic acid are particularly harmful. Indeed, these two things are the most common suboptimal indicators of health. It is clear, however, that the mother’s overall lifestyle and any illnesses she may have have have an impact. Both on the health of the mother and the fetus.

━━ ( Source: Jonathan Borba /  Unsplash+ )

So when is the appropriate age

In adolescence, fertility is high. However, becoming a parent before the age of 20 is not advisable due to minimal experience and also low financial resources. Moreover, this is usually the age when people are still studying. In addition, the risk of pre-eclampsia is relatively high at this age, which then increases again after thirty. Pregnancy between the ages of 20 and 24 might seem more favourable. The young have an 85% chance of becoming pregnant within a year of unprotected intercourse.

But there is still instability financially and entering the job market. A lot of people are just starting to build their careers or just starting college at this time. For that reason, it’s probably better to wait until between the ages of 25 and 29. People are usually already more stable in their relationships, career and financial situation. In addition, the risk of pregnancy complications is also lowest compared to giving birth earlier or later. This is an ideal time in terms of health.

Pregnancy after thirty and later

Having an offspring after thirty has its advantages. People have had ample time to learn about themselves and explore all the risks. However, even at this time, someone may not be ready yet. Although fertility gradually decreases from this age, it is certainly not a reason to get pregnant headlong if you are not ready or do not have the perfect partner. However, it should be remembered that from the age of 35 onwards, it is advisable to consult a doctor for pregnancy.

This is because of the increased risk of complications. According to Wendy C. Goodall McDonald, a gynecologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, the risk of hypertension, diabetes in pregnancy and also pre-eclampsia starts to increase. As well as the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities. The risks are higher, but there are still many people who have perfectly healthy pregnancies even at this age. After 40, however, natural fertility already decreases and the risk of complications increases greatly.