5 Perks Of Being A Mother After Age 40
Choosing to be a mother after the age of 40 is a subject that generates doubts and controversies. Although much has been said about its risks, more and more women choose to experience motherhood when they reach that age. Why does it happen?
The so-called “backward mothers” or “grandmothers” are usually women adapted to the current lifestyle. Due to their personal and mainly professional circumstances, they give up the idea of having a child at an early age.
It is true that the chances of conceiving significantly decrease after 35 years of age. However, thanks to medical advances and techniques, such as assisted reproduction, it is increasingly likely that a healthy pregnancy can be achieved after the age of 40 years.
On the other hand, current controls make it possible to reduce the risks for the baby and the mother. Furthermore, since this is a stage where there is already enough mental maturity and financial and professional stability, we can talk about other benefits of being a mother after 40.
Advantages of being a mother after 40 years
For many years, it has been suggested that the ideal age for having children is between 20 and 30 years. However, with proper care and monthly prenatal care, being a mother after age 40 does not have to be a problem.
Although ovulation decreases with age, and there are certain risks compared to pregnancy at younger ages, it is possible to conceive without complications. In addition, it is an internship that also has a series of advantages for both the mother and the child.
1. Improves mental skills
According to research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society , being a mother after age 40 has benefits in terms of mental abilities. Due to the hormones involved in pregnancy, mental acuity increases and verbal skills improve.
- One of them is progesterone, responsible for the development of brain tissue. The other is estrogen, which intervenes in a beneficial way in the structure of the brain.
2. Better eating habits
When women are of a more mature age, they are more aware of the effects of maintaining good eating habits. While this should be known from the beginning, young women are not likely to attach much importance to quality food.
So another advantage of being a mother after 40 is that it increases attention to nutrition. Furthermore, considering the risks that age brings, the mother is more concerned with eating well and taking care of her body.
3. Mental and emotional maturity is greater
Women who decide to become mothers after the age of 40 may be more prepared to assume a pregnancy and the changes that this new stage entails. Mental maturity has reached a higher degree and therefore it becomes easier to adapt and take on challenges.
Likewise, the wisdom of age provides the patience that younger mothers often lack. Since she has been through other situations in her life, she is able to avoid being overwhelmed by stress.
4. Children receive more emotional support
Being a mother after age 40 increases the chances of mothers having more time with their children. Likewise, women tend to be less stressed due to their economic and work situation, so they have more patience to support their children.
Furthermore, we should mention that there is also more early stimulation and better education for children. Not only the power to be present, but the quality of life that is provided when there is a better income. At least that’s what a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology shows .
5. There is full awareness of the decision made
Women who decide to have a child at this age are aware of the decision they are making. Most are already well-informed on the subject and plan pregnancy in the company of their partner and a doctor. The pregnant woman is aware of the stage she is at and the risks she must face.
Disadvantages of being a mother after 40 years
Today, many of the risks of being a mother after age 40 have been reduced due to advances in medicine. However, they must not be overlooked. The i ity implies a more careful pregnancy, especially for the baby’s health. Its disadvantages include:
- Increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities
- Up to 50% chance of delivery by cesarean
- Risks of a miscarriage
- Problems in the mother, such as hypertension and gestational diabetes
- Prematurity and low birth weight babies are more common
Are you planning to be a mother after 40? It’s not impossible. While the risks may be a bit of a fear, there are many possibilities for a healthy pregnancy these days. Therefore, consult your gynecologist and obstetrician to assess your particular case.
