Thirty years ago, being a father or mother at an advanced age seemed strange to us. The cases were exceptional and let one know the stories behind them. However, today about Being parents after age 50 is becoming more common. No one is surprised anymore.
Without going any further, this week two cases have been made public in Galicia: that of the president of the Xunta, Alberto Núñez Feijóo and his wife who will be first-time parents, he with 55 and she with 51 years, and on the other hand, the Lugo's doctor who will have his third daughter with 62 years.
A possible dream, even after 50
With 20 years a woman has a 25% chance of becoming pregnant if she has sex on her fertile days. With 30 years, the odds decrease to 15%. From 35 they descend to 8% and 3% from 38 years. That is, after 40 years the odds are very remote by natural means.
However, there is the science to help. Assisted reproduction is a great ally of women who want to be a mother past the barrier of 40 and even 50, when the biological clock has already stopped.
The donation of ovules and the progress experienced in recent years in the different reproduction techniques allow more and more couples to fulfill their late sleep.
Not only does the biological factor influence. At present, the social circumstances are not the same as thirty years ago. Nowadays couples seek relative economic stability before having children, something that in our current society is increasingly delayed.
Both men and women seek to strengthen their careers and have a solid life before boarding the fatherhood boat.
No age restrictions
The Spanish Fertility Society discourages pregnancies after the age of 50 due to the high risk involved, both for the mother and the baby. However, in Spain the assisted reproduction law does not impose any restrictions so that women can be mothers at the age they want.
Most gynecologists do not accept to undergo fertility treatments to women over 50, but in the absence of a law that prohibits it, everyone assumes their own risks. If the mother's health is good, there are no pre-existing diseases such as diabetes or hypertension and medical tests are favorable, there are doctors who agree to try a treatment.
The risks are high.. There is a very high probability of chromosomal failure in the fetus or of having an abortion or premature delivery. For the mother, to suffer complications in pregnancy or a stroke (women who become pregnant at 40 or later will have a greater chance of suffering a stroke or heart attack)
And not only the risks of a late pregnancy are caused by the mother, also the father's age has a lot to do. Being elderly parents increases the risk of congenital anomalies and is associated with a higher risk for the child's mental health.
On the other hand, more and more studies link advanced age with certain advantages for children, such as being elderly parents favors children being longer
The best biological age to be a mother is 25 years in women, but for many being parents after 50 is a new opportunity. They live a more relaxed, more mature fatherhood and enjoy their children much more.
Selfishness or dream come true?
The main arguments against late paternity is that, logically, assuming that parents will die of old age, children will be left without parents before those who have younger parents. They are taking time from life with their parents. They are probably not or will be very old when children graduate, when they marry or have children. They may not get to know their own grandchildren.
Also the lack of vitality to care for young children. Going all day behind a baby is very tired and obviously, the energy you have at age 20 is not the same as it is at age 50 or 60.
On the other hand, those who have been parents at advanced ages agree that they live a more peaceful and mature fatherhood that benefits the children.
For many couples who have not been able to be parents before, being past 50 is a dream come true. A gold brooch for your already established life.
Cases of famous parents after 50
The world of celebrities is plagued by mature fathers and mothers. A few months ago Janet Kackson announced her first pregnancy with 49 years and will be a mother already turned 50.
Although he has three adopted older children, George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, had his first biological daughter at age 69.
Robert de Niro he became a father for the sixth time at age 68, through a rental belly. Paul MCCARTNEY, father of eight children had the last one, a girl, when he was 61 years old.
The tendency is greater in men. Although the biological clock also advances for them, it is obviously not the same as for women. Donald Trump, Tommy Mottola and Michael Douglas They also join the mature dad's club.
Finally, the king of rock is also the king of late fatherhood. Mick Jagger will be a father at 73 with his fifth wife, a 29-year-old model. He has a great-granddaughter who will be older than his eighth child.
