There is no right or wrong time to have a baby and different ages bring about both positives and negatives.
When you are in your twenties you may have a less complicated pregnancy but also less life experiences. As you grow older, your chances of having a complication increases but you are more likely to be emotionally ready to become a mum.
In your twenties
Your twenties are your most fertile years as your periods are likely to be more regular and most are ovulatory. Women in this age group have a 20% chance of getting pregnancy each month after unprotected sex. The chance of you suffering from a miscarriage is the lowest it will ever be and the odds of your baby being born with any chromosomal abnormalities are significantly reduced. You will also find it easier to lose postpartum weight and the fitter you are the easier delivery will be, although this can be said for all age groups.
In your thirties
Fertility begins to decline in your thirties; however, it is a gradual decline over five years. Women in this age group are lalso still ikely to have the energy to tend to a young baby. Chances of giving birth to a baby with a chromosomal defect is still pretty low although there is a risk of high blood pressure, hypertension and a higher chance of having a caesarean. You are also more likely to have twins or triplets as hormonal stimulation of the ovaries changes and your chances of releasing one or more egg increases.
In your forties
Carrying a baby in your foties depends on your fitness level, health habits and whether it is your first baby. For women in their forties, fatigue can become more pronounced and you are more likely to be prone to haemorrhoids, sagging breast and pressure on bladder - this is due to the fact that your muscles and tissues have already been stretched. Unfortunately, babies born to women in this age group are likely to have a low birth weight and your risks of chromosomal birth defects, such as Down’s Sydrome increases.
