These days, an increasing number of married couples delay their parenthood. The career-oriented mentality is the root cause of this current trend, and I believe it is a negative development because it leads to decreased fertility and health issues.
Today, many individuals become very passionate about their higher study and career development. They devote their twenties and thirties to achieving advanced degrees and distinguished careers. That is to say, young married couples are passionately engaging in their higher study and careers to ensure their career growth. For example, a career-oriented couple may prioritize their time and energy to create a niche for themselves in their chosen profession. Once they manage to carve out a niche for themselves, then they may feel they are ready for parenthood in their late thirties or early forties.
However, delayed parenthood is associated with reduced fertility and increased health issues. , women’s ovarian reserve decreases, causing a decline in the quality and number of eggs available for fertilization. Consequently, women may face enormous naturally and other increased health problems. For instance, a recent study finds that women in their late thirties and forties may face a greater likelihood of infertility, miscarriage, and gestational diabetes compared to their counterparts. Similarly, the adverse impacts of age also occur in men. From the age of forty, research finds that the rate of DNA fragmentation is genetic abnormalities in children. For these reasons, I think delayed parenthood is a negative development.
In conclusion, the reason behind late parenthood is that individuals are enthusiastically engaging in higher study and professional development. However, I feel that decreased fertility and other health problems associated with delayed parenthood are more significant downsides than some minor benefits that it may offer.