Older Mothers More Likely To Have Twins? Some Interesting Facts About Older Parents

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The Age of the Mother Might Be Even More Influential

Studies have shown that the risk of health problems for both the mother and the child increases once the mother is past the age of 35. Children born to mothers past this age have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome, or other conditions caused by chromosomal defects, according to data from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. As with the psychological and neurological conditions mentioned above for children born to older fathers, the risk of this happening isn’t super high, but it’s something to keep in mind.

There are also some interesting scientific findings regarding the health and lifespan for  mothers who have children at later age. A 2014 study found that women who gave birth to their last child after they were 33 years old were almost twice as likely to live to the age of 95 years old or older. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that women who gave birth to their final child in their 30s or 40s were also less likely to develop endometrial cancer (a type of cancer which occurs in the lining of the uterus).

In the cases of both the lower cancer risk and increased lifespan, it appears to be a matter of correlation rather than causation. Having babies at a later-than-average age didn’t cause the women to live longer or lower their risks of cancer. Rather, if these women were healthy enough have children at a later age, it appears their overall good health correlated with a longer life and a lower risk of cancer as well.

 

READ ALSO: Essential Tips For Parents Of A Child With ADHD

 

No matter what your age might be, taking care of your own health, fitness and nutrition increases the odds that your children will be healthy as well.

References:

www.eurekalert.org

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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