Millennials are having kids later than other generations, here's why

For the first time, more women in their 30s having babies compared to women in their 20s, according to a 2019 report form the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

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The deadline for having a baby isn’t 35 anymore, and financial reasons maybe the biggest culprit. More millennials carry college debt than ever before with an average of $27 000 (R383 000). “But what about the infamous biological clock?” Women’s health expert, Dr. Sherry A. Ross asks.

As women age, so do their eggs, which affect fertility. For women, fertility peaks between the ages of 20 to 24 making that the ideal age to get pregnant, says Dr Sherry.  Women at the ages of 20 to 34 have an 84 percent chance of getting pregnant, compared to ages 35 to 40 who have a 75 percent chance of getting pregnant.

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While you may be more financially and emotionally stable when having a baby at 40 compared to 25, research shows you are putting yourself and your baby in danger of miscarriages, stillbirth and genetic abnormalities.

Compiled by Futhi Masilela

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