Scientists at the University of Southern California have Discovered the Perfect Age to Get Pregnant

The journey of motherhood is one of the most cherished. But there are pros and cons involved that mostly cater to the age you are conceiving your baby at. Getting pregnant when you are too young or too old can involve risks. But now according to a study conducted by a group of scientists at the University of Southern California there is a perfect age at which you can conceive your baby. 

 

According to these scientists, pregnancy at a later stage in life that is after the age of about 35, enhances women’s brainpower in their middle ages. They have even proved to be mentally sharper in verbal tests.

 

What is the study about?

Scientists at the university have conducted a series of verbal tests on 830 middle-aged women. The purpose of such an experiment was to find out a connection between having a baby at a later age and cognitive agility.  

According to their research published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, starting a family at a mature age helps in improving the cognitive abilities of the mother.

 

What cognitive tests were performed?

The women were provided with lists of words and were told a story which they had to remember despite the distractions that came with it. Questions on reasoning and problem solving were also included. This test was performed to observe how their pregnancy timings have affected their memory at a later stage of life or at menopause.

 

What was the result?

Women who had conceived after 24 were found to be better at solving problems and reasoning than those who conceived at a much younger age. Better perceptible or cognitive abilities and verbal memory were found in women who had their youngest baby after 35. It was also proven that they experience better health conditions at menopause.

On the other hand, women who conceived at an early ages of 15 to 24 have deteriorated health in their midlife.

 

Why such a change occurs during pregnancy?

During pregnancy the flow of estrogen and progesterone affects the functioning of the brain. These changes brought by the hormones are permanent that induce development in memory and cognition. Late pregnancy, therefore, acts as a shield against memory loss at a later part of your life.          

 

But, whatever the case maybe, it is always best to consult your gynecologist while you are planning for or have conceived a baby. Risks are almost always involved during pregnancy because the mother and the child both become susceptible to different health problems. So, it is better to be aware, stress free and fit.