Having a baby after 35

Years ago, when contraception and medical interventions were not as freely available, women may never have thought twice about having a baby after age 35. Nowadays with advances and publication in medicine and media, women and their partners are giving it more thought. Women are also living longer than they used to and are choosing to live healthier lifestyles conducive to maturely having and raising a baby after the age of 35. So as trends in women's health and education evolve, some of the perceived biological risks are outweighed by the social benefits of aged motherhood.

Reasons for having a baby after age 35

Whether due to financial, career, educational maturity or health considerations, statistics do show an increase in women actually opting to be mothers at a later stage in life. Some women are marrying in their 30's rather than their 20's and are choosing to wait a while before trying to conceive. They do not feel the urgent rush to be pregnant as some younger women do.

Other women may have experienced divorce and have met a new partner later who they want to have a baby with. For some women, it's about getting the travel bug out of their system or meeting career goals before feeling ready to take the thought-through step of being pregnant. Research does show that careers and financial consideration in more educated women plays a major role in their decision to have a baby after age 35.

Female sexuality and conception over the age of 35

Women are considered to be in their sexual prime during their 30's where their libido is higher. However, as age increases to later 30's towards menopause, the female sex drive usually starts to decline. Some studies conducted have raised points about desensitisation of the female vaginal area and that for some, sexual intercourse can cause more discomfort.

Although this is the case, there are treatments, like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) that reduces menopausal effects for women to feel comfortable in pursuing their sex lives. Overall sexual activity between men and women is thought to reduce with age. For some women, sexual discomforts or problems are a reason that they choose not to continue having sex or to shy away from intimate relationships. Discussing these discomforts or problems with a medical professional can help women get treatment to boost arousal for sex and a more pleasurable experience. Statistics reveal that there are a larger number of women with such issues who choose not to discuss them or seek solutions through healthcare providers.

Benefits of sexual activity over the age of 35

Besides these statistics about women's declining sex drive with age, an active sex life as women get older is thought to be linked to longer life spans. In the UK, active sex lives among older people is encouraged. For some, the act of sex is less about reproduction, but as an expression of love or a means of reducing stress. The psychological benefits are rewarding.

Age related sexual taboo or stereotype

In some societies, sex over the age of 45 and 50 may be considered taboo primarily because of perceptions about libido declining with age. Reproduction, especially to conceive, may not be considered “appropriate”. Despite the stereotype, many women over the age of 35 and 40 do still want to conceive and raise a child, and are healthy enough to do so. In vitro fertilisation techniques have also made it possible for women to conceive much later in life, such as UK's Patricia Rashbrook who gave birth at 62 during 2006.

Having a baby after 35:

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• Having a baby after 35
• When is the right time to conceive?
• How does increased age affect pregnancy?
• What are the risks of pregnancy and birth from age 35 onwards?

• Is premature birth in pregnant women over age 35 common?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an older mother?
• What role does aged fatherhood play in pregnancies over age 35?
• Can women be pregnant and give birth after 50?

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