Do Not Delay Motherhood, Women Warned

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is warning women not to delay motherhood until their late 30s because they are at risk for unwanted complications like infertility at this age.

Older women are likely to face issues like miscarriage and health problems if they get pregnant after the age of 35. "Delay in childbirth is associated with worsening reproductive outcomes: more infertility and medical co-morbidity, and an increase in maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality," said the college. "Women who start their family in their 20s or complete it by age 35 face significantly reduced risks."

The society also said that the optimum period for childbearing is between 20 and 35 years of age and that women need to be aware of the possible problems that older mothers may encounter. The college also said that the NHS and the Department of Health must play a major role in making women aware of the risks of delaying motherhood.

However the Royal College of Midwives defended the right of choice saying, "We support women in their choice to have a baby in their late 30s and 40s, although pregnancy complications can be more common in older women."



Source-Medindia
RAS