As the years go by more women are choosing to give birth to their first child later on in life. The trend for so many years was women having children in their 20's, however, that is slowly changing over the years. According to the CDC, there has been a decline in births to teens and women in their 20's and a rise in women having children in their 30's and even 40's. If you are currently asking yourself why this trend has started to happen more frequently, there are several reasons.
#4.
EDUCATION/CAREER
Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between women obtaining a higher degree and having children later. This number increases if the woman has a masters degree or higher. Many women who are seeking higher degrees tend to be extremely career focused and are striving to put their career ahead before they seek starting a family.
#3.
INCREASE POPULARITY WITH
IN VITRO FERTILIZATION
In Vitro fertilization is becoming more widely used then ever. In Vitro fertilization is a process that involves an egg being fertilized by a sperm outside of the body. Sometimes people lump all women into the category of all wanting to get married and instantaneously their "biological" clock starts ticking. This is an inaccurate statement. Every female is different, therefore everyone does not have similar goals and time constraints that another individual may have.
2.
THE FUN FACTOR
Yes, today's women appear to be enjoying their lives by traveling and just having the freedom to do as they choose before they take on the responsibility of a child. Even married couples are taking the extra years to do things together, including bonding. This should not be surprising since a new study shows that 90% of a couples happiness decreases after having their first child. This is generally attributed to the added responsibilities and the unrealistic expectation the soon to be parents had "prior" to having their first child.
#1.
ECONOMIC FACTORS
The economy has taken a severe hit, thus making some women think twice about having children now, as opposed to later. Women in their 40's despite the economy appear to be affected the least by their decision to have children now. Generally because they understand the risk associated with waiting over a certain amount of time to conceive a child. However, there are many couples who feel that children are expensive and choose to wait until they have somewhat established their careers and have added a little more savings to their bank account. Not only has the economy been a contributing factor on "when" a couple (woman) decides to have a child, but it is also a huge reason why families are shrinking. Back in the 1990's the average household in America consisted of 2 children. Before then many more. Now, it is not unusual to see a family of 3.
Regardless of when you and your partner decide to have a child, it is a personal decision. While waiting may be great for one couple, this may not be in your desired plans. You may feel like 20 is right for you. The important thing is to NOT look at another individual's lives or listen to the expectations of others. Certain people in society have taken it upon themselves to try to pressure people into making the same life decisions that they have made concerning everything, including the proper age for a woman to conceive. People have also led to the fallacy that unless a woman has children, then her accomplishments in life mean nothing. All of these of course are fallacies. Out of fairness, having a child does not make you more or less important.
What people fail to recognize is that every life plan is different and they forget that after you have a child, they are there for life. While other couples may be excited and attentive towards the new parents to be, this excitement factor wears off quickly and the reality of parenting sets in. Children are expensive and emotionally taxing; when you and your partner are ready, you will know the right time.
If you are intending to "wait" make sure that you do not skip your annual physical. This will ensure that you are in good health now, for later in the future. Talk to your gynecologist about the risks associated with childbirth at different ages (See additional resources below). Although there are standard precautions, every woman has a different body and should personalize what is physically best for her with the help of her doctor.
CELEBS WHO HAD CHILDREN LATER IN LIFE
(A few of many)
FIRST TIME MOM, 41 YEARS OLD
HAD FIRST CHILD AT 42, 2ND, 43
FIRST TIME MOM, AGE 41
FIRST TIME MOM, AGE 41
FIRST TIME CHILD, AGE 41
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
RELATED TOPICS:
"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD
(Psalm 27:14)."
