5 Advantages Of Being A Mother After 40

Mental maturity and economic, work and sentimental stability are factors that positively affect being a mother after 40. We tell you all its advantages and some of its risks.

Choosing to be a mother after 40 is an issue that generates both doubts and controversies. Although much has been said about its risks, more and more women prefer to live motherhood when they reach that age.

The so-called “late mothers” or “old mothers” are women who are generally adapted to the current lifestyle. Due to their personal circumstances, and especially professional ones, they give up the idea of ​​having a child at an early age.

It is true that the chances of conceiving are drastically diminished after the age of 35. However, thanks to medical advances and techniques such as assisted reproduction, there is an increasing chance of achieving a healthy pregnancy as you reach your fourth decade.

On the other hand, current controls make it possible to reduce the risks for the baby and the mother. In addition, since it is a stage in which there is already enough mental maturity and job and economic stability, we can talk about other benefits.

Being a mother after 40

For many years it has been suggested that the ideal age to have children is between 20 and 30 years. However, with proper care and monthly prenatal checkups, being a mother after age 40 doesn’t have to be a problem.

Despite the fact that ovulation decreases with age, and that there are certain risks compared to pregnancies at younger ages, it is possible to conceive without suffering complications. In addition, it is a stage in which a series of advantages are grouped both for the mother and her child.

1. Improve mental skills

According to research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society , being a mother after 40 has benefits on mental abilities. Due to the hormones involved in pregnancy, it increases mental acuity and improves verbal abilities.

One of these hormones is progesterone, which is responsible for developing brain tissue. The other is estrogen, which has a beneficial effect on the structure of the brain.

2. There are better eating habits

When women are in a more mature age they are aware of the effects of maintaining good eating habits. Although this should be known early, the youngest tend not to give as much importance to quality food.

Therefore, another advantage of being a late mother is that it increases attention to nutrition. Also, considering the risks that age brings, the mother worries more about eating well and taking care of her body.

3. Mental and emotional maturity is superior

Women who decide to be a mother after 40 may be more prepared to assume pregnancy and the changes that this new stage implies. Mental maturity has reached a higher degree and, therefore, it is easier to adapt and take on challenges.

Similarly, the wisdom of age provides the patience that young mothers have not yet acquired. Since you have already been through other life situations, you are able to avoid being overwhelmed in some situations.

4. Children receive more emotional support

Being a mother after 40 increases your chances of having more time for your children. In the same way, women are usually less stressed by their economic and work situation, so they have more patience to give them support.

Additionally, it should be noted that there is also more early stimulation and better early childhood education. Not only being able to be present influences, but also the quality of life that is offered when there is better income. At least that is what a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology showed .

5. There is full awareness of the decision made

Women who decide to have a child at this age are aware of the decision they are making. Even the majority are informed about it and plan it in the company of their partner and a doctor. The future mother is aware of the stage she is in and the risks she must face.

Disadvantages of being a mother after 40

Today many of the risks of being a mother after 40 have been diminished by medical advancement. However, they should not be overlooked for this reason.

Age implies having a more careful pregnancy, especially for the health of the baby. Its disadvantages include:

• Increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

• Up to 50% chance of cesarean delivery.
• Risk of miscarriage.
• Problems in the mother such as hypertension and gestational diabetes.
• More likely to deliver prematurely and underweight babies.

Are you planning to be a mother after 40? It is not impossible. Although the risks may be a bit scary, there is a high chance today for a healthy pregnancy.

Therefore, consult your doctor and gynecologist to see what your case is.