Contrary to popular belief, the ideal age for the birth of the first child is not expressed by the number in the passport. It consists of physiological, social and psychological factors. Many doctors believe that the most optimal age for the birth of the first child is the period of 19-26 years. However, there are opponents of this theory. Below are the main factors that affect a woman's willingness to become a mother, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of pregnancy at different ages.
Physiological factors
To understand what age for the birth of the first child is optimal, doctors recommend that you first contact a gynecologist. The specialist will carry out diagnostic measures and assess the degree of functioning of the reproductive organs, identify or exclude the presence of pathologies that may prevent conception.
From the dotPhysiologically, the ideal age for having a first child is between 19 and 26 years old. Doctors believe that after the age of 18, a woman's body is completely ready to conceive and bear a fetus. At this time, the genitals are already fully formed, in addition, hormonal imbalance is much less frequently diagnosed, since the level of substances is perfectly maintained by the ovaries (in the absence of pathologies).
When planning pregnancy at this age, one should take into account: the vaginal muscles are not only elastic, but also elastic, and the pelvic bones are mobile, which is an extremely important factor affecting the course of the delivery process.
Most women have well-trained abdominal muscles at a young age. It is much easier for such women in labor to follow the doctor's orders when trying.
As practice shows, girls aged 19-26 are less likely to suffer from pathologies of a chronic nature, which also affects the course of pregnancy and the delivery process. The latter often passes easily and without ruptures or with minimal tissue damage. Complications are also extremely rare.
After 25–26 years, reproductive function begins to slowly fade away. Many women develop overweight and chronic diseases, which can significantly complicate the course of the gestational period. That is why most doctors say that the most favorable age for the birth of the first child is 19-26 years old.
Psychological factors
It is important to understand that parenthood isa completely new stage. After the baby is born, you will have to reconsider the usual way of life and significantly adjust it. Therefore, from the point of view of psychology, each woman herself must determine for herself the optimal age for the birth of her first child.
You need to remember that you can break off relations with your spouse or change jobs. But the baby is a family member who will remain in it forever.
If a woman was psychologically unprepared for the onset of pregnancy, internal conflicts may arise in her head. And they are often subsequently transferred to the child. Most often this is due to the fact that the woman did not have time to enjoy a life free from obligations and make her dreams come true. It is worth noting that for most young mothers, internal conflicts and all kinds of claims are leveled by the emotions that they receive from the baby.
Another scenario is also possible - the appearance of postpartum depression. Psycho-emotional instability often causes trouble in the family and mistakes in education. If you experience signs of depression, it is recommended to consult a specialist.
Thus, from the point of view of physiology, the best age for the birth of the first child is 19-26 years. However, psychologists say that a woman should be ready for motherhood. If you take into account only physiological factors, you can harm not only yourself, but also the baby. It is important to understand that a he althy child grows only in a family where a favorable psychological environment reigns.
Social Factors
In today's world, an increasing number of parents believe that the most appropriate age for the birth of the first child is the one in which they have achieved some success in their careers. Many experts consider this justified, because the baby should be warmly dressed and well fed. In addition, the presence of a child in the family is always an unforeseen expense, not to mention the fact that he must have at least a minimum number of toys.
Despite the logic of the theory that the baby should live in abundance, it also has opponents. They argue that material we alth is not the primary condition. The only important thing is that the child must have loving parents, and the financial situation can change at any time, both for the worse and for the better.
Early pregnancy
It happens that the gestation period falls on the period of 13-16 years. In 95% of cases, we are talking about an unplanned pregnancy. Naturally, the age for the birth of the first child during this period is not favorable.
What causes this:
- insufficient physical development of the expectant mother;
- lack of stable income (in most cases), which is extremely important for a family with a child;
- psycho-emotional instability of a girl, which often results in postpartum depression;
- deficiency of estrogen and progesterone - hormones responsible for the full formation of the placenta;
- presence of highthe risk of postpartum complications, in particular, deep tears and hemorrhages.
Thus, early pregnancy is not a normal option. However, when it occurs, you will have to adjust your lifestyle and take actions that will help improve your financial well-being.
Pregnancy after 30
A few years ago, doctors argued that the first birth at this age is a serious risk. From this period, the expression "old-bearing" appeared. However, at present, in developed countries, it is not uncommon to meet women who decide to become mothers after 30 years. Moreover, some experts believe that 30-35 years is the optimal age for the birth of the first child.
What causes this:
- financial stability;
- psychological readiness;
- reproductive function, although declining, does not fade away.
It is important to take into account the fact that after the age of 30, the number of cycles that are not accompanied by ovulation increases. In addition, the susceptibility of the uterus to an already fertilized egg is somewhat reduced. In other words, getting pregnant is no longer as easy as before age 30.
Most experts say that giving birth for the first time after 30 is not only difficult, but also dangerous. Possible complications at this age:
- fetoplacental insufficiency;
- weak generic activity;
- placental abruption;
- soft tissue tears;
- uterine bleeding;
- premature birth or, on the contrary, their occurrence is muchlate;
- preeclampsia;
- fetal hypoxia;
- premature discharge of amniotic fluid;
- developmental pathologies;
- Maternal risk of diabetes and breast cancer.
If we take into account the high probability of the above complications, we can conclude that the age after 30 years is not optimal for the birth of the first child. However, as practice shows, most women do not risk in vain and raise he althy babies. Thanks to medical technologies, many pathologies can be detected already in the first weeks of the first trimester, which allows you to take all necessary measures in a timely manner.
Features of the gestational period after 40 years
For the first time, doctors forbid giving birth at this age in most cases. In addition, the likelihood of pregnancy is very low. But even if conception is successful, there is a risk of miscarriage.
Complications of late pregnancy:
- diabetes mellitus;
- placental abruption;
- exacerbation of existing pathologies of a chronic nature;
- high risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.
Besides, pregnancy is difficult. The process of childbirth is also not easy. After its completion, various complications are often diagnosed - from vaginal ruptures to uterine bleeding.
If a woman considers that the best age for the birth of her first child is 40-45 years, she needs to undergo a full examinationorganism. Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor will assess the likelihood of successful gestation.
Age of women giving birth in different countries
According to statistics, over the past few years, he has deviated from the generally accepted in a big way. In Europe, the average age of women who decide to become mothers for the first time is 27–28 years. In Russia, it is 28–29 years old.
Later everyone wants to know the joy of motherhood in Spain and Italy. In these countries, most women give birth for the first time after 30.
Determination of the optimal age
Specialists have developed a table by which every woman will be able to understand when it is better for her to give birth to her first child. The figures are averages and should not be considered as a guide to action.
Optimal age for men
With regards to the stronger sex, doctors say that it all comes down to the quality of the genetic material. If in women eggs are formed only in the prenatal period and in a certain amount, then in men spermatozoa change their properties throughout life.
In other words, if the future father is 50 years old, but he leads a he althy lifestyle, then his genetic material is not inferior in quality to that of young people at the age of 20-25. Sperm motility is also an indicator that is completely independent of age.
Thus, if a man follows the principles of a he althy lifestyle, he can becomefather whenever he wants. In this case, psychological and social factors should be taken into account.
Doctors note that the lower limit for men still exists. Experts do not recommend thinking about children before the age of 18.
Where is the truth
Some doctors say that 19-26 years is the ideal age for a woman to have her first child. Others are sure that it is possible to successfully bear a baby even after 30 years. As usual, the truth lies somewhere in between.
Initially, you need to make sure that a woman is psychologically ready to become a mother. She must be aware that life will change completely, she may even have to sacrifice a lot. Financial well-being is a purely individual indicator, for people it has a different degree of significance. But it will not be superfluous to evaluate the income of your family and understand whether there is enough money for at least the minimum set of everything necessary for the baby.
The final stage is a comprehensive examination. It often happens that a woman's body at 35 is more ready for pregnancy and childbirth than, for example, at 25.
Survey at the planning stage
In preparation for conception, a woman should visit a gynecologist, dentist, otorhinolaryngologist, cardiologist and allergist.
Examination includes the following diagnostic measures:
- Clinical analysis of blood and urine.
- Biochemical study of fluid connective tissue.
- Pap smear.
- Analysis of biomaterial from the cervix by PCR.
- Blood test onhormones.
- Test for rubella, herpes, HPV, HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis, syphilis, E. coli, hepatitis. The absence of these pathologies is one of the main requirements for bearing a child.
- Blood clotting test.
- Colposcopy.
Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor will be able to assess the readiness of the woman's body for pregnancy.
In closing
Most experts say that the optimal age for the birth of the first child is 19-26 years. During this period, the reproductive organs function well, and chronic diseases occur less frequently. In addition, the risk of complications is minimal. However, not only physiological, but also psychological and social factors should be taken into account.
