May 10, 2000
Statistically, Utah women have babies at a younger age than their counterparts in the rest of the country.
But that age is creeping upward.
All this month, we are bringing you a series of special Family Now reports on
"What Is the Right Age?"
Today, News Specialist Ruth Todd asks the question "What is the Right Age to have a baby?"
Having a baby is a tough decision, whether you are young, or older.
There are definite advantages, and a few disadvantages, to consider when women think about having a baby.
But experts say something else could be more important than your physical health, and that's your mental health.
It's well known that a women's body can better handle pregnancy and delivery at a young age.
Janette Lewis/Univ. of Utah Parenting Instructor: "THERE ARE SOME ADVANTAGES TO STARTING WHEN YOU ARE YOUNGER. SAY, WHEN YOU'RE 20. YOUR PEAK PHYSICAL AGE TO DELIVER A BABY AND TO DO SO WELL, IS BETWEEN 20 AND 30."
Janette Lewis teaches parenting classes at the University of Utah.
She says other benefits to having a baby younger is that you have more stamina to keep up with younger children, and you will be a younger grandparent.
But for some women, waiting until they are older is a better choice.
Janette Lewis/: "MAYBE THEY'RE 35 BEFORE THEY DECIDE TO HAVE THEIR FIRST BABY AND WE SEE A LOT OF CLIENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY THAT ARE IN THAT AGE GROUP."
Lewis says pregnancy is harder on older women, because they run more risks.
But experts are finding that that age is creeping up.
Janette Lewis: "TECHNICALLY AT 35, YOUR RISKS INCREASE AS FAR AS HAVING MALFORMATIONS, OF PROBLEMS IN THE PREGNANCY OR COMPLICATIONS. BUT THAT IS INCHING UPWARD. THE LAST TIME I VISITED A DOCTOR, HE SAID I DON'T REALLY WORRY ABOUT IT UNTIL YOU'RE 38."
But once the baby arrives, Lewis says older women make just as good parents as younger ones.
No matter if you're younger or older, Lewis says the most important thing is to be mentally prepared.
Janette Lewis: "IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT MORE THAN HOW OLD YOU ARE, THAT YOU'RE PREPARED TO BE A PARENT."
And she says that's a decision everyone need to make on their own.
