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Dr Sumitra Agrawal 
The idea that a woman's twenties is the "best" or "ideal" age to give birth is grounded in several physiological, sociological, and practical considerations.
Some reasons people might consider the twenties as an ideal age for childbirth:
1. Biological and Fertility Factors:
• Fertility Peak: Women's fertility peaks in their late teens and early twenties and then starts to decline gradually, with a more pronounced drop around age 35 and beyond.
• Risk Factors: The risk of certain complications, such as chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome), miscarriage, and some congenital disorders, increases with maternal age, especially after age 35.
• Physical Resilience: Younger bodies might recover more quickly from the stresses of pregnancy and childbirth.
2. Sociological and Practical Factors:
• Energetic Peak: Many people in their twenties may feel more energetic and better equipped to handle sleepless nights and the physical demands of caring for a baby.
• Extended Family: Having children in one's twenties often means that grandparents are younger, potentially providing a more robust support system and allowing multiple generations to know each other.
• Career Timing: Starting a family earlier can allow some parents to re-enter the workforce and focus on their careers in their thirties and forties.
3. Potential for Larger Families: For those who want multiple children, starting earlier provides a longer window of fertility to achieve that goal.
4. Lesser Genetic Risks: As mentioned, certain genetic risks increase with maternal age. The probability of having a child with Down syndrome, for instance, increases with the mother's age.
What are the chances of fall in conception after you age?
The chances of conception naturally decrease as both men and women age, though the decline is more pronounced in women due to the finite number of eggs they possess and the decline in their quality over time. Here's a general breakdown based on female age, as women's age is a more significant factor in conception rates compared to men:
1. Late teens to late 20s:
• Fertility is generally at its peak during this time.
• Monthly conception rate is typically around 20-25%.
2. Early 30s:
• There's a gradual decline in fertility, but many women in their early 30s still conceive without issues.
• Monthly conception rate may decline slightly compared to the late 20s.
3. Late 30s:
• Fertility starts to decline at a more rapid pace.
• By age 35, the decline in fertility becomes more noticeable.
• Monthly conception rate might decrease to about 15-20% or lower.
• The risk of miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities, like Down syndrome, increases.
4. Early 40s:
• Conception becomes more challenging, though it's still possible.
• By age 40, the monthly conception rate is often less than 5%.
• There's a higher risk of complications during pregnancy, as well as a higher risk of congenital issues.
5. Late 40s and beyond:
• Natural conception is rare, though not impossible.
• Most pregnancies in women over 45 are the result of assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF, and often involve donor eggs.
• The risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth is significantly higher.
It's worth noting that while female age is a primary determinant of fertility, male age also plays a role. As men age, there can be a decline in sperm quality and quantity, which can impact fertility. Additionally, older paternal age is associated with a higher risk of some rare birth defects and psychiatric conditions.
While these are general guidelines, individual experiences can vary widely. It's crucial for those who are concerned about fertility or planning a family to consult with a healthcare professional or fertility specialist to get a comprehensive understanding of their individual circumstances.
Why some people dont prefer to have children so early in life ?
The decision to delay having children, or forgoing them entirely, varies among individuals and is influenced by numerous personal, cultural, economic, and societal factors. Here are some common reasons why some people choose not to have children early in life:
1. Educational and Career Goals: Many people prioritize completing higher education or establishing themselves in their careers before thinking of starting a family. Having children can be demanding, and some individuals might feel that early parenthood could divert their focus or slow their professional progression.
2. Financial Stability: Raising children can be expensive. Some individuals want to ensure they are financially secure and can provide adequately for their children before having them.
3. Personal Development: The twenties and early thirties are often seen as formative years for personal growth, travel, and new experiences. Some people feel that early parenthood could limit their opportunities for personal exploration.
4. Relationship Stability: Some individuals prefer to wait until they are in a stable and committed relationship before considering parenthood. They might believe that a strong partnership provides a better foundation for raising children.
5. Health Reasons: Certain health conditions or medical treatments can influence the decision to delay or forgo having children.
6. Lifestyle Choices: Some people value their independence and the flexibility to travel, socialize, or pursue hobbies. They might feel that having children early could restrict their lifestyle.
7. Not Ready for Responsibility: Parenthood is a lifelong commitment that comes with significant responsibilities. Some individuals might not feel prepared for this commitment in their younger years.
8. Societal Trends: In many societies, there's a trend of delaying parenthood. This could be due to increased access to education, changing gender roles, and shifting societal norms regarding the "right age" to start a family.
9. Concerns about Overpopulation and Environment: Some people delay or decide against having children due to concerns about overpopulation, resource depletion, and environmental issues.
10. Waiting for the "Right Time": Some believe in waiting for a moment when they feel completely ready, whether that readiness is emotional, financial, or situational.
11. Fertility Treatments: With advances in reproductive technologies, some individuals feel that they have the option to delay parenthood, knowing that treatments like IVF might be available later on if natural conception becomes challenging.
12. Fear of Passing on Genetic Disorders: Those aware of hereditary illnesses in their families might delay having children until they've consulted with genetic counselors or considered alternative methods like adoption.
It's essential to recognize that the "right" time to have children is a deeply personal decision, and what works for one person or couple might not be suitable for another. Respecting individual choices and understanding the multitude of reasons behind them is crucial.
Are there any drawbacks to having a baby so early?
While having a baby in one's twenties might be biologically optimal in many ways, there are potential drawbacks and challenges associated with early parenthood. Here are some considerations:
1. Financial Stability: Many people in their twenties are still in the early stages of their careers and might not have reached a level of financial stability. Raising a child can be expensive, and young parents might face financial challenges.
2. Career Disruption: Having a child early can potentially interrupt career progression, especially for individuals who are still pursuing education or are in the early stages of their professional journeys. For some, re-entering the workforce after taking time off for child-rearing can be challenging.
3. Maturity and Emotional Preparedness: Some people in their twenties might not feel emotionally or mentally prepared for the challenges of parenthood. Raising a child requires maturity, patience, and resilience, which some might feel they haven't fully developed at a younger age.
4. Relationship Pressures: If the relationship with the child's other parent is not stable, introducing a baby can add further strain. Young couples might still be navigating their partnership dynamics, and a child could introduce additional stressors.
5. Missed Opportunities: Some people feel that having children in their twenties might prevent them from experiencing particular life events, like traveling extensively, pursuing higher education without interruption, or enjoying a carefree young adult life.
6. Social Isolation: If most peers are not yet having children, young parents might feel isolated from their social circle. They might find it harder to relate to friends who are at different life stages or feel left out of certain activities.
7. Physical Health: While younger bodies might recover faster from pregnancy and childbirth, some young women might not yet have established a consistent healthcare routine, which can be crucial for prenatal and postnatal care.
8. Lack of Support: Depending on their circumstances, some young parents might not have an established support system in place, which can make navigating the challenges of early parenthood more difficult.
9. Housing and Stability: In their twenties, many individuals are still working towards long-term housing solutions, and there might be challenges related to housing instability, moving frequently, or living in less-than-ideal conditions for raising a child.
It's essential to emphasize that everyone's journey is unique. Some people in their twenties are entirely ready for and thrilled about parenthood, with ample support and resources. Others might find it more challenging. The decision about when to have a child should be based on individual circumstances, desires, and preparedness.
(Dr Sumitra Agarwal is a renowned Vastu Expert and Astrologer. She is based in Kolkata)
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