FOR some mothers, giving birth at an old age seems like no problem. In fact, some opt for it since they want to focus on their career first. In medical terms, women who give birth at or after the age of 35 are considered to have an advanced maternal age (AMA).
According to Psychological centre, Relate Malaysia psychologist Chua Sook Ning, studies have proven that giving birth at an old age comes with adverse health outcomes, such as a higher likelihood of requiring cesarean delivery, developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, among others. These risks are more prone to affect mothers aged 40 and above, she said.
She added that complications concerning the fetus might also occur, causing premature birth, among other possible conditions. Additionally, when giving birth late, this will lead to a low birth rate and some infants might require neonatal intensive care.
Because of the increased health risks, she advises against delaying childbirth when possible. However, factors such as later marriage often make it difficult to control when women have children.
Given the risks of pregnancy at an advanced age, she emphasised the importance of ensuring that the mothers with AMA receive more intense physical health, psychological and social support during this period
However, these disadvantages do not apply in all cases. For instance, a mother with a stable income and secure employment may be better equipped to provide a nurturing environment, allowing her to raise her child more effectively, according to psychologists.
From a psychological perspective, women do not have an optimal age to become a mother. She pointed out that many young parents adopt unhealthy or even harmful parenting styles, demonstrating that effective parenting is not determined by age. She emphasised the need to shift the focus towards educating parents about the risks of poor parenting rather than the timing of parenthood.
"Age is not a determinant of how effective someone is at being a parent. Several studies have shown that poor parenting styles are not directly determined by an advanced maternal age," Ning said.
"It is more important to teach moms and dads of all ages to engage in autonomy supportive parenting styles and not use controlling parenting styles," she added.
Ning added that it would not be appropriate to convince mothers to give birth earlier or later, as they are influenced by personal and social factors.
"If a mother is not ready to give birth at a younger age, this too would not be good for them, their children and the larger family unit," she said.
Ning further called for parents of all ages to pursue physical and mental antenatal and postnatal care.
According to Psychological centre, Relate Malaysia psychologist Chua Sook Ning, studies have proven that giving birth at an old age comes with adverse health outcomes, such as a higher likelihood of requiring cesarean delivery, developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, among others. These risks are more prone to affect mothers aged 40 and above, she said.
She added that complications concerning the fetus might also occur, causing premature birth, among other possible conditions. Additionally, when giving birth late, this will lead to a low birth rate and some infants might require neonatal intensive care.
Because of the increased health risks, she advises against delaying childbirth when possible. However, factors such as later marriage often make it difficult to control when women have children.
Given the risks of pregnancy at an advanced age, she emphasised the importance of ensuring that the mothers with AMA receive more intense physical health, psychological and social support during this period
Psychological centre, Relate Malaysia psychologist Chua Sook Ning.
However, these disadvantages do not apply in all cases. For instance, a mother with a stable income and secure employment may be better equipped to provide a nurturing environment, allowing her to raise her child more effectively, according to psychologists.
From a psychological perspective, women do not have an optimal age to become a mother. She pointed out that many young parents adopt unhealthy or even harmful parenting styles, demonstrating that effective parenting is not determined by age. She emphasised the need to shift the focus towards educating parents about the risks of poor parenting rather than the timing of parenthood.
"Age is not a determinant of how effective someone is at being a parent. Several studies have shown that poor parenting styles are not directly determined by an advanced maternal age," Ning said.
"It is more important to teach moms and dads of all ages to engage in autonomy supportive parenting styles and not use controlling parenting styles," she added.
Ning added that it would not be appropriate to convince mothers to give birth earlier or later, as they are influenced by personal and social factors.
"If a mother is not ready to give birth at a younger age, this too would not be good for them, their children and the larger family unit," she said.
Ning further called for parents of all ages to pursue physical and mental antenatal and postnatal care.
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