Delaying parenthood risky

Delaying parenthood risky




Babies born to older couples may face long-term health issues, warn new guidelines to doctors



By SHARON KIRKEY, Postmedia News January 18, 2012




















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.

In addition, babies born to fathers of "advanced paternal age" - defined as age 40 and older at the time of conception - are at increased risk of genetic disorders, as well as


Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Delaying+parenthood+risky/6011812/story.html#ixzz1jsbj2RJO