Copyright JetsetGypsy 2008 |
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| THIS WEEK |
August 4, 2008 It seems these days more and more women are ignoring the ticking of the proverbial biological clock. In her new book, Ready: Why Women Are Embracing the New Later Motherhood, Elizabeth Gregory explores the phenomenon. According to Gregory, 1 in every 7 babies born in the US in 2006 was born to an older mother. Older mums (women who have their first child after 35) are ready for children. They are financially secure, more fun, happier, and less prone to post-natal depression. Statistically, older parents are in more stable relationships and therefore less likely to split up. Of course older mums don’t have it easy. Fertility declines after the age of 40, it takes longer to get back into shape and the chances of Down’s Syndrome and chromosomal abnormalities increase with age. Miscarriage rates are also higher. However, a study by Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, found that women who delay starting a family until later are more likely to have brighter, well behaved children possibly because older mothers make sure they have better nutrition during pregnancy and have a more established home life that is more conducive to learning. So what then is a good age to be a mum? Timing the baby’s arrival is important. An early arrival could spell financial difficulties, while if you keep putting it off, you may run out of time altogether. Biologically a woman is most fertile between the ages of 18 and 34. However, John Mirowsky, a member of the National Institute of Health's scientific review panel on human development and ageing, believes the prime age for childbearing, in terms of maternal health and longevity, lies between 34 and 40. These mothers are able to adjust better to the pregnancy and the life changes that come with the arrival of a child. Here are a few tips for global nomads thinking about having a baby : 1. Take folic acid supplements to help prevent spina bifida 2. Stop smoking 3. If you are overweight, shed a few pounds 4. Find a clinic and doctor that you are comfortable. Pre-natal screenings and diagnosis are highly recommended for older mothers so ensure that your clinic has these capabilities. Ask other expats for their recommendations. 5. Have sex a few times week and not just around ovulation. 6. Ensure your rubella immunization is up-to-date 7. Get a pap smear if you haven’t had one in a while. - Sophie Andrews |
