Have Kids at *This* Age and Science Says They’ll Be the Smartest
Just about any new mom or dad will likely tell you that their child is absolutely perfect. Whether they have a head full of locks or they’re the chillest baby at the music festival, every newborn baby comes equipped with his or her own uniquely awesome qualities for Mom and Dad to brag about until the cows come home (as they should!). But if you’re hoping for one of those qualities to be smarts, it turns out that there may be something you can do to increase the odds of having a clever child before he or she is even conceived (and no, it’s not Brain Toniq, although a little extra brain power never hurts!): timing your pregnancy for your 30s.
According to a study conducted by the UK-based Millennium Cohort Study, which analyzed findings from roughly 18,000 births, mothers who gave birth to children while in their 30s were likely to see a positive correlation with increased cognitive and behavioral outcomes in their child.
Kiddos born to first-time mothers in their 30s appeared to score higher in mental testing, outperforming those children born to mothers in their 20s (specifically 23-29) or 40s. They were also less likely to be obese.
As researcher Alice Goisis explained to The Times, this may have something to do with where a woman is at that sweet spot in her life. “First time mothers in the 30s are… likely to be more educated, have higher incomes, are more likely to be in stable relationships, have healthier lifestyles, seek prenatal care earlier and have planned their pregnancies,” she said.
While it’s ultimately your choice and yours alone about what age feels right for you to conceive (should you choose to do so, that is!), it’s definitely some interesting food for thought, no?
Are you surprised by this study’s findings? Share your thoughts over @BritandCo!
(h/t Marie Claire, photos via Getty)
