Postponing parenthood could have serious consequences, warns new study

Postponing parenthood could have serious consequences, warns new study







By Sharon Kirkey, Postmedia News January 17, 2012 10:13 AM















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The new guideline to doctors comes amid growing concerns about the number of women delaying childbearing. In Canada, 11 per cent of first births now occur in women aged 35 and older, up from five per cent in 1987.

Photograph by: Thinkstock, canada.com


Men, and not just women, need to be aware of the "reproductive consequences" of postponing parenthood, new national guidelines on the risks of delayed child-bearing warn.


Though women especially should recognize that their "fecundity and fertility" starts to decline precipitously after 32, a man's semen quality and fertility also worsens with age, according to guidelines endorsed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.


Read more: http://www.canada.com/health/Postponing+parenthood+could+have+serious+consequences+warns+study/6007363/story.html#ixzz1jjoxmhNe