Moms who later gave birth to their last child are living longer, according to this US study.
This is a question that often arises in couples: "when will the baby be?" In France, the average age of women who become pregnant is in their thirties. In addition, 5% of them concern women over 40. According to a study by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) published on October 7, these moms are more likely to live long than other mothers.
To arrive at such a finding, the researchers looked at leukocyte telomeres, in order to find a link between the longevity of the mother and the age of birth of the last child. Telomeres located at the ends of chromosomes are involved in the process of cellular aging. Numerous studies had already demonstrated the link between telomeres and various diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and neurological conditions or even cancers.
This study, based on 1,200 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, was limited to mothers who have had no more than two children. So, according to this new finding, women who gave birth to their last child later in life are likely to have longer leukocyte telomeres, a sign of longevity. Nevertheless, the researchers procrastinate: “More research is needed to determine if older maternal age at last birth causes telomere lengthening or if telomere length serves as a proxy for general health and matches a woman's ability. to have a child at an older age ”, concluded Stephanie Faubion, the medical director of NAMS.
A parameter which should therefore not be taken literally. The most important thing is to feel ready to have a child, when you think is the best.