The decline of women’s reproductive capabilities after the age of 35 is a well known medical tenet but potential fathers have long been immune from age limitations on reproduction. However, Time magazine is taking a look at several studies that indicate older fathers can present as many or more medical issues as older mothers.
In 2012, a study in Nature found that the rates of autism and schizophrenia significantly increases in the babies of older fathers — the risk doubles for every 16.5 years of paternal age. Another study in the American Journal of Men’s Health associated paternal age with preterm birth and low birth weight.
Now how is that for news. You are already feeling tired and behind for being an older dad, now you might be passing on health problems.
It says now 35 is also considered the worrying age for men as well. As a man who has had two boys since being 35, this kind of study is not exactly what you want to read. At the same time, it is just a study and until they say it is almost a sure thing, I am not going to worry about it. A person’s life is being extended like never before and modern medicine is making it more normal to have kids later in life.
What do you think? Should older mothers and fathers take this into consideration when planning to have kids?
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That’s why I plan to have kids before 30!! he he
What? I just want my son to be cool!