Having a baby after 35 can cause this health complication

A new study shows that children, born to mothers older than 35, are likely to have heart problems later in life, increased risk of complications during pregnancy, and a likelihood of delivering a child that is premature.

While many women postpone having children till they turn 35, there are a host of risks associated with it. A study done by the University of Alberta, Canada, shows that children born to mothers older than 35 are more likely to have heart problems later in life. Older motherhood is also associated with increased risk of complications during pregnancy, and a likelihood of delivering a child that is premature or born small.

Older motherhood is also associated with increased risk of complications during pregnancy, and a likelihood of delivering a child that is premature or born small. (Shutterstock)

Female offspring did not demonstrate the same susceptibility to heart problems or impaired blood vessels as male offspring.

What the study shows

The study also suggests that intervention strategies should be tailored according to sex, as female offspring did not demonstrate the same susceptibility to heart problems or impaired blood vessels as male offspring. To investigate the impact of the age a mother gives birth on the health of her offspring, older female rats, which were equivalent to a 35-year-old human, were mated with young males. In future studies, the researchers will look into whether the findings are also true for human subjects.

Some of the best ways to ensure a normal delivery in such conditions is to exercise during pregnancy, and eat a healthy diet.

Pros and cons of delaying motherhood

* A 2017 study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology shows that delaying pregnancy till age 35 can actually make your kids smarter. The study showed that in contrast to 40 years ago, children born to older mothers today are more likely to perform better in cognitive ability tests than those born to younger mothers.

* A 2016 study done by the University of Southern California in the US shows that women who have their last baby after they turn 35, enjoy better brainpower post menopause.

* Experts say that for women who go through pregnancy after turning 35, health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid imbalance are likely to crop up. Some of the best ways to ensure a normal delivery in such conditions is to exercise during pregnancy, eat a healthy diet, and fix your lifestyle.

(With inputs from ANI)

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