Having a Baby After 30 Might Be Good For You and Your Child, Reveals Study

Giving birth is one of the biggest life-changing things a woman faces. Sometimes, it’s even capable of changing the woman’s brain structure, and it definitely brings lots of joy. But in addition to causing never-ending happiness, giving birth later in life can also be beneficial for both the mother and the child, studies say.

We at Bright Side dug into multiple studies and want to share what we found with our readers.

1. It can support your brain power.

One of the biggest perks of having a baby in your thirties may be that late pregnancy positively influences a mother’s brain power.

Studies conducted on 830 participants aimed to find a link between having a baby at a later age and a woman’s cognitive functions in midlife and later. Surprisingly, the results revealed that the women who had their last pregnancy at the age of 35 or later had sharper verbal memory and better cognitive reactions in general. Hence, late pregnancy can boost the way women’s brains function later in life.

2. It’s better for a child’s physical and mental safety.

Whether it is the higher level of responsibility that comes with age or something else, studies show that older moms are better at protecting children from injuries and supporting their mental health.

The research investigated more than 78,000 children from 9 months to 5 years old to observe the health and development of kids born to older mothers. The results showed that the older the mother is, the fewer chances the child will get “hospital admissions and unintentional injuries.” Children of older mothers have better language development and face fewer “social and emotional difficulties.”

3. You may be more prepared to have a child.

We all grow and become more mature as we age. However, when it comes to parenting, maturity can become a crucial factor for the mental condition of your kids.

A study on teenagers born to older mothers tracked the connection between late motherhood and the usage of physical and verbal sanctions toward kids. The results showed that older mothers are less likely to physically discipline and verbally punish their children. The generally more peaceful environment results in fewer emotional and social difficulties for the teenagers.

4. You may be more financially stable.

Having a child is, indeed, a happy thing, but it’s anything but cheap. Studies show that an average family needs approximately $233,610 for food, housing, and other necessities to raise a child through age 17. However, the age when a woman reaches her highest income is 35-44 years. Hence, having a kid later in life, a mom is able to provide everything the kid needs without additional stress and financial difficulties.

5. You may live longer.

Having babies later in life, mothers often worry that they might not be around their children for as long and will miss out on major events in their children’s lives, such as marriage. However, studies show that women who gave birth later are more likely to live longer.

The study was conducted among more than 20,000 women. 54% lived to the age of 90 years, and the chances of living that long were significantly higher among women who gave birth later in life.

How old were you when you had a child? Do you think it’s better to get pregnant later in life?