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EMAS position statement: Late parenthood

Abstract:

Introduction: During the last decades, couples in Europe have been delaying parenthood, mainly dueto socio-demographic factors that include increased rates of university education and employment inwomen and poorer financial status.Aims: The aim of this position statement is to provide and critically appraise evidence on the impact of lateparenthood, focusing on the pathophysiology and management of male and female infertility, pregnancycomplications and long-term offspring health.Materials and methods: Literature review and consensus of expert opinion.Results and conclusions: Advanced parental age is associated with infertility and pregnancy complicationsand may have an impact on long-term offspring health. All adults of reproductive age should receivecounseling on the risks of advanced parental age, so they can make informed decisions about the timingof childbearing. All parents-to-be of advanced age should receive advice on the potential pregnancy,neonatal and long-term offspring health-related issues. These tasks require an interdisciplinary approachthat could lead to patient-centered, informed decision-making strategies.© 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.