It Turns Out That Women Who Give Birth In Their 30s Might Live Longer
It's easy to joke that kids take years off of our lives with all the sleepless nights and endless arguments about how much they don't want to go to bed (which you never really win). But did you know that when you have kids can make a huge difference in your health? Science says it probably does.
According to a study done at the University of Coimbra in Portugal, women who waited to have their first child until they were at least 30 lived longer than other mothers. So read on to see what their research says and remember, don't let any annoying relative decide for you when it's right for you to start a family.
They Wanted To Figure Out What Impacts A Woman's Life Span
The researchers at the University of Coimbra wanted to figure out what factors determined a woman's lifespan. They collected female lifespan data from European Union countries from 2004-2013 to figure out if there's a link between a woman's life expectancy and the age at which she gives birth.
They found that there were "several determinant factors of a women's life expectancy. The most surprising factor is the age of women at pregnancy." They found that on average, mothers who gave birth to their first child in their 30s were more likely to live longer lives.
Her Country Plays A Big Role In A Woman's Life Expectancy
The researchers said that women are on average more likely to live longer in a country where pregnancy occurs later than the early-twenties. This finding contrasts earlier studies that suggest a mother should have her first child as early as 20.
While the "earlier the better" is a motto that's outdated, it's worth looking into why mothers in their 30s are expected to live longer. It could be that women who wait may be more stable financially and have more cost-effective access to healthcare in their countries. Whatever the reason, don't let the big 30 feel like the end.
Women In Their 30s Have Higher Chances Of Conceiving Than Ever Before
The same 300-year-old study that said that having kids was more likely earlier in a woman's 20s also said that only two-thirds of women in their 30s were likely to conceive. While this may have been true back in the 1700s when people had less reliable healthcare, nutrition, and generally lived shorter and harder lives, this isn't the case today.
A 2004 study by Dr. David Dunson found that 82% of women between 35-39 were able to become pregnant within a year as long as they were trying at least twice a week. Which is excellent odds and all the more reason to not stress about timelines or your intrusive extended family asking when you're going to have kids.
