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Planning for a Baby? – Know What’s the Best Age to Get Pregnant
People have children at various stages of their life, and this means at different ages. So, is there something like ‘the perfect age to have a baby’? The fact is there are advantages and disadvantages to having children at every age. Also, factors like the financial situation, the society you live in, and the career prospects of both parents also play a role in picking the right time to start a family. Gaining in-depth information about all these factors will help you decide which the best age for you to get pregnant is.
What is the Best Age for Pregnancy?
The answer to this question will vary depending on the individual who is asked the question. The definition of “best” will also differ according to individual circumstances. But, overall, a majority of surveys and studies indicate that the ideal age to get pregnant is between 20 and 35. However, the best period to have a baby is different from what is considered the best age to bring up a child, and that is the mid-30s.
Does Age Matter?
The reason why 20- 35 is considered the preferred age for childbirth, is because women in this age group are physically better prepared for pregnancy. They find it easier to conceive and are less vulnerable to pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy, and stillbirth amongst others. This is also the period when the eggs are the healthiest. Being a fertile period, it is the perfect window for those wanting multiple children, since they have enough time to space the pregnancies adequately.
Pregnancy at Different Ages
While for some, 20-25 years might seem the perfect time to have a baby, others cannot possibly think of having a child before the age of 30. Here are the pros and cons of pregnancy at different ages.
1)Pregnancy During 20-25 Years
This is the age when women are at their peak fertility and have the best chance of pregnancy. At this point in life, you will have the highest number of high-quality eggs available, and the chances of a low-risk pregnancy and a healthy baby are highest during this period.
You are also less likely have a chronic medical condition in this phase and will have enough energy to last you through a pregnancy. The chances of miscarriage are lowest at this time, and the babies are not often prone to chromosomal problems.
It is also easier to regain your pre-pregnancy body quicker at this age since the tissues that keep your waist in shape have not been stretched out by age or weight gain.
However, it is worth considering that this is also a time when you might not be emotionally prepared to handle all that pregnancy entails.
2) Pregnancy During 26-34 Years
Age 26 to 29 is considered a good time for pregnancy especially for those women who have a healthy lifestyle with adequate nutrition and fitness. Around this time, you will be physically and mentally prepared for the rigours of pregnancy.
The early 30s has been seen as a preferred time for pregnancy among career women. In fact, it has been observed that those who gave birth as teens developed more health problems later in life than those who delivered babies in their 30s.
It must be remembered that there is a decline in fertility as you cross 30 with the chances of pregnancy each month hovering around 20% and the C-section rate among women aged between 30 to 34 is twice as high as those in their 20s.
The rate of miscarriage is 15% while there is no significant change in the risk for Down Syndrome until age 35.
For many couples, this is a time when their relationship is most stable ensuring they are committed to parenthood.
3)Pregnancy During 35-40 Years
Fertility levels keep dipping, and getting pregnant might become more and more difficult as you move towards age 40.
There is also a higher probability of developing pregnancy ailments such as hypertension and gestational diabetes.
The risk of miscarriage stands at one in four pregnancies with the threat of chromosomal abnormalities also increasing with maternal age.
Chances of conceiving twins also increase if the mother is older due to hormonal variations with age that can result in multiple eggs being released during ovulation.
4)Pregnancy Above 40
The number of women aged 40 and above giving birth has significantly increased from what it was a couple of decades ago. However, the chances of getting pregnant, drop to 5 percent every month after 40.
Figures indicate that about a third of women over 40 struggle with infertility.
They are also six times more likely to develop gestational diabetes or have diabetes as a pre-existing condition.
Additional tests and close monitoring of the pregnancy might become essential if you pregnant and over the age of 40.
On the positive side, at this age, you are likely to be financially secure and experienced in time management. Even if you are a high profile career woman, you might be at a stage where you can take some time off or opt for a flexible work schedule to spend time with your child.
Being in good health before getting pregnant is more important than your age at the time of the pregnancy. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper prenatal care can help you have a smooth pregnancy and healthy baby, irrespective of how old you are.
The Man’s Age
The fertility of men is also an important factor when a couple is trying to get pregnant. A man’s fertility declines by up to seven percent each year between the ages of 41 and 45. The drop just speeds up after that. The risk of miscarriage increases if the father’s age is over 45, irrespective of the age of the mother. Children born to older men are also more vulnerable to autism, mental health issues, and learning difficulties.
Studies indicate that while it takes about four to five months for a man under 25 to father a child, it can take a man of over 40 about two years even when the woman is under 25.
The volume of semen and motility of sperm declines with a man’s age.
Testosterone levels tend to fall after the age of 40, and this means a subdued libido which can also make it difficult to have sex.
Male fertility can be affected by illnesses, and these are more likely to surface as one age. Certain medications such as steroids, anti-depressants, antifungal medicines and diuretics can also negatively impact a man’s fertility.
It is not improbable that an older man can father a child. But realistically, fertility declines with age in men just as it does in women making natural conception much more difficult.
The reasons for getting pregnant or having your child during a particular phase of time in your life may be varied. But what is more important is to be happy with whatever choice you’ve made and to take in your stride the joys as well as the challenges of raising children.
Disclaimer: This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional
Also Read: Getting Pregnant At 40: All That You Need to Know Read more
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Your Baby This Week : 3 Month Week 4 Old
Your baby loves to reach out and touch anyone and anything he can get his hands on. With increasing coordination, he will be able to reach and pick up things that pique his interest. Help him practice his grasping skills, as well as equipping him to the crib and the play yard, with fascinating toys, especially the ones that squeak and rattle. Most babies are able to make it through the night without a feeding. Some may have started to sleep for a longer stretch of time (six to eight hours at night). Others will not be able to achieve this feat until closer to the 6 month mark or later. You can encourage this by creating a stable, predictable positive bedtime routine, which starts with putting your child to bed at the same time every night. One of the most difficult challenges that parents face is whether or not to let their babies “cry it out” or not. However, this is your personal choice.
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The Story of My Rainbow Baby
What does it mean when I say that my daughter is my 'Rainbow Baby'? A 'Rainbow Baby' is a baby that is born following a miscarriage or an infant loss. Just like a beautiful and bright rainbow comes after a storm and gives hope of things getting better, a rainbow baby also brings light in the parent's life after going through the loss of a baby due to miscarriage. We use the term "rainbow" quite often, especially when we have kids around. So often that even our pictures are loaded with them. But what meaning does it hold when I say that she is my Rainbow baby?
My husband and I decided to have a baby. My pregnancy happened soon enough. We were on top of the world sharing our sweet news with friends and family. Though the conditions in my pregnancy were a little complicated, it was all forgotten in the joy we had. One morning, we got to know that we have lost our baby in a miscarriage. We were devastated to the core with no family around us to guide and support as we resided out of India. After the depression, medication and trying for many months, I had almost given up. But then, there it was! A pregnancy test I had taken with no expectations turned out to be positive. We faced a lot during the second pregnancy too. Even a similar miscarriage incident occurred where we thought we lost the baby again. But against all odds, that day turned out to be the day I heard the heartbeat of my baby for the first time. I experienced extreme joy during my whole pregnancy along with tremendous fear overriding it. This was the fear that I might lose my baby any day any minute. The day of my delivery arrived. There were complications, my baby had to struggle for her breath inside me and I had to undergo an emergency C-section. That's how she came into our lives! Our daughter, our rainbow baby - perfectly healthy and happy!
We never forget our angel babies, but the rainbow babies help the depressed parents to have a new hope. They especially help the parents who've lost their grown child right from their arms to fate, to live through the unimaginable pain and sadness. My rainbow baby somehow lives perfectly to the name. The joy she brought into our lives has been extraordinary. We can't imagine our lives without this bundle of joy that God has blessed us with.
Cheers to all the Mamas and their rainbow babies!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Perfect Marriage? The road is always under construction! A simple uncomplicated guide of Basics.
A girl, especially an Indian girl is always bought up with an idea of a perfect fairy tale marriage story, from the time she is born literally! She is conditioned in such a manner, that she always feels that life after marriage will be a bed of roses and they lived happily ever after kind of a saga! Many of you will agree? However, any relationship, especially a marriage is never a perfect one. It has to be tailor made. Two people have to strive together to make it perfect or better said a happy marriage! Here are simple mantras that I share with you today, in a complicated world, where the institution of marriage has become a complex issue.
Simple tips for a happy married life :
Communication : When two people are in a relationship, they assume that somethings are to be understood without communicating. It's a mistake. You have to talk it out to your partner about your feelings, what do you want, or share your problems with them. It's impossible to know feelings in another person's heart, as human behavior is unpredictable. So communicate openly about every small thing that matters to you both. Have an emotional connection,in other words empathy. Most of the problems will be resolved by communicating effectively.
SHARE WE TIME: All of us are running in some kind of a race, where we are wanting to reach a particular goal. The personal lives go for a toss, without us even knowing about it. Hence a couple must take out time for themselves doing things that they love doing. Watch a movie together, get intimate, go for a long drive or just for a cozy candle light dinner. It sounds simple, but has a positive impact on the relationship.
Don't take each other for granted : We often don't value people who are most close to us. A husband and wife take each other for granted many times. Give importance and value each other's presence. Make each other feel special, without any occasion. Say I love you just like that. Cook a meal together. Exchange duties of child care. It will go a long way when you learn to value each other by using these simple gestures.
Accept Weaknesses and Strengths of each other : As said earlier perfection is a myth. Everyone has shortcomings. Accepting each other the way we are brings a lot of understanding and compatibility in one another. As we know our partner, we can react, act and handle each other if we know our strengths and weaknesses well. So accept each other!
Ditch the mobile and social media Excessive use of the social media is creating unnecessary tension between couples nowadays. While conversing with our partners too, our heads are in the phone rather than in their eyes! Phones are taking away precious moments of love and communication. So keep away the phone after a specific time and pay attention to your partner. It will definitely help.
Appreciation and Respect :
Last but not the least, compliment each other for simple things that you do for one another . Appreciation makes wonderful impact on an individual. Who does not like praise and respect. Respect each other's work, time, responsibilities and just the person you're with! It will go a long long way in making a bond strong and evergreen.
Marriage is always a road under construction, needed to be built with love, respect care, trust and understanding. To make it a fairy tale " happily ever after " work on yourself continously. Your partner and you are the Boss!
Hope you enjoyed reading this post. Share your mantras too in the comments section. Would be wonderful to know more ideas! Until then have a wonderful journey of marriage always! Read more
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Marital implications of Autism- a peek into special needs co-parenting and companionship trivia.
Marital implications of Autism and impqct of raising children with special needs are profound as much as we'd like to brush our concerns under the covers.
The author , Dr Shruti Gupta is a Consultant Radiologist but has a keen interest in advocating the cause of Autism and all the multiple aspects of special needs parenting through the power of the pen.
To begin with acceptance of the diagnosis of Autism lays heavy on ones psychological well being. The couple dynamics takes a new turn as we realize we're in a soup- no one has an idea how the soup got cooked and who is to blame! It's always easier to de- stress and redirect our woes when we understand the logic as to why life gave us these lemons .
The second part is that what's at stake here is not just a material thing- but the centrestage of our expectations and social framework- our child. Every parent holds a zillion dreams for their offspring and all that comes to a crashing halt momentarily until one can crack the ASD code.
Pent up emotions with a over burdened finances of relentless long term therapies , social isolation and anxiety all lead to emptiness and nervous breakdown. Vacations come at a price tag and are added stresses with an unpredictable child - so one chooses to evade them.
Some couples bond over the crisis and come out shining where as some reach a point of feeling disconnected in this journey.
Responsibility sharing is another important component where one has to understand that parental burnout is for real. Sharing responsibility can work wonders instead of expecting one parent to take up all the charge .
The vicious cycle of emptiness takes another turn when you have to deal with a spouse that can't accept ,move on and gear up to traverse the journey . When we need to battle for basic needs like therapy, time for one on one interaction with the kid , responsibility sharing ; it becomes toxic beyond a certain point.
Companionship can be a wonderful healing tool if used wisely along with being a caregiver to your special needs child.
Often, the burden of everyday challenges and no time for expression of love and affection creates a cold zone that escalates unknowingly to a point of no return for some .
With the right mindset and respect for your partner, one can make teamwork happen wonderfully. Embrace the journey of life designated to you. Take a break from the mundane routine and take out time to communicate. Compromise can be the spice of life when done mutually like a silent duel of understanding.
If things don't work out, always remember nothing is the end of the world. You are stronger than you believe- you can sail through anything.
Someone rightly said "there is a certain power in having nothing left to lose"
Dr Shruti Gupta
MD
#autismparentsforum
#parentsupport
#autismparentsupport Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
14 hours ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
14 hours ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby girl and boyhai one month 8 days old kya mai ghutti de sakte hun ya gripe water de sakte hun aur kab se start kar sakte hun
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
10 hours ago
A. dear Mum, you should not give any sort of gripe water or ghutti to your baby. these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause infection to your baby. so, these should be completely avoided.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant.I recently had growth scan.mu baby is in cephalic presentation. Does this change as I approach my due date. Also my EDD is July 25 and EDC is July 2. what is my expected due date. Also what is EDC?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. edc is expected date of delivery only.
that is 40 weeks
You will get more information for your query with your family doctor. You may meet your dr in person for proper guidance .
It is important to remain in contact with your doctor.
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
10 hours ago
Q. why I am getting dizziness in my pregnancy
I am going with 3rd month of my pregnancy it's a very strong dizziness I feel at times means every day .....no other symptoms of pregnancy .Please help with elaboration .All okay means isn't part of this journey.
Read moreDr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
15 mins ago
A. check bp.. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant and had growth scan recently.My baby is in cephalic presentation.does this change after 36 week or does this remain the same?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. usually fixed. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
31 mins ago
Q. it's my 5 month n I still didn't went for check up yet not even once is it okay if I go now or?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
30 mins ago
A. You should have started going from the very beginning itself once you get to know you’re pregnant but since you haven’t reached that now if you’re pregnancy has been healthy last five months please get it checked with your doctor also if you need to start with any supplements or diet the doctor would advise you after a ultrasound so please visit your gynaecologist
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